jumping-off point
jumping-off place

For these artists, the body is often just a jumping-off point.

Now that he had come to the jumping-off point, why should the last step cause any fear?

"I wanted to use it as a jumping-off point for an alternate history of that evening."

Because of course it can be used as a jumping-off point.

He works without a set list, instead using audience suggestions as a jumping-off point.

His jumping-off point for spring is the men's dinner jacket.

It is also considered a jumping-off point for bigger things.

Still others see the case as a jumping-off point for other issues.

And there are real people who were jumping-off points for the characters.

That might serve as a jumping-off point, though the jump itself would be a difficult one.