usage of a few idioms

[lost_soul]

Hi,

I'm studying English idioms by a book written by a British author, and some of the idioms used in the book look suspicious to me (I'm not sure they are in use on the other side of the pond ).
Could you tell me if you use them too, please?
Here they are:

1. On the starting block (meaning at the very beginning).
Example: I haven't finished the shareholders' report yet, I'm afraid I'm still on the starting blocks

2. On the home straight (meaning: Almost finished)
example: There isn't much to do on this project. We're on the home straight now.

3. The finishing line is in sight (meaning: The end is near)
Example: After six months of continuous research, interviews and writings we're pleased to say the finishing line is in sight

Thank you in advance.
_________________
Alex

How much upchuck would a woodchuck upchuck if a woodchuck could upchuck ?

(a guy from Russia)

[Alan]

Hi Alex,

They sound all right to me where I sit in my far flung island.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A day in the life of a policeman

[Yankee]