one step ahead
Preemptively positioned forward
One step ahead describes maintaining a slight but crucial advantage over someone or something, especially a pursuer or competitor.
The phrase suggests ongoing effort—staying one step ahead requires continuous motion: She's always one step ahead of the competition.
To be one step ahead of the game is to anticipate what's coming before others do.
- advantageFavorable position or circumstance
- anticipateExpect beforehand
- forward thinkingAnticipating future needs
- edgeBoundary or sharpness
- preemptiveActing to forestall
foresight · trailblazer · leapfrog · initiative · outmaneuvering · preparedness · lead · head start · keeping pace · contingency · second-guess · forethought · proactive · pacesetter · beforehand · pioneer · savvy · predict
one step aheadbehind
At the rear
trailing · lagging · falling behind · behind the curve · bringing up the rear
one step aheadblindsided
Surprised by unforeseen impact
unprepared · behind the curve · reactive · flat-footed · caught napping
one step aheadbehind the times
Not current or modern
outdated · old-fashioned · backward · out of touch · obsolete