Learn English – ny idiom which is exactly opposite of ‘head start’

idioms

I am searching for an idiom which means

to have a disadvantage that makes your chances of winning bleak

It should appropriately fit in this analogy:

Head Start – Win
___ – Lose

Best Answer

"Handicap"

Noun: 3. Any disadvantage that makes success more difficult:

e.g. "The main handicap of our business is lack of capital."