one up

Edge out another

To one up someone is to surpass them, especially by doing something slightly better or more impressive than what they just did.

The phrase carries a competitive edge—often playful, sometimes annoying: Every time I tell a story, he has to one up me.

As an adjective, one up means having a slight advantage: We're one up on them after the first quarter.

surpass

outdo

Exceed in achievement

outshineExceed in brilliance
overtakePass while moving faster
eclipseCelestial body blocks another

outstrip · best · outperform · outclass · outmatch · trump · top · exceed · beat · upstage

gaming

extra life

Additional player attempt

bonusReward beyond expectation
respawnReappear after dying digitally
high scoreMaximum points achieved

multiplayer · mushroom · coin · checkpoint · continues · arcade · platformer · score attack · combo · achievement

rivalry

competition

Struggle for supremacy

bragging rightsInformal claim to superiority
showdownDecisive final confrontation
challengerOne competing against incumbent

opponent · matchup · contest · duel · face-off · standoff · clash · competitive · keeping score · sibling rivalry

Categories

advantagesedge, leverage, head start, dominance, trump card
Braggingbrag, gloat, show off, flex, swagger
Match Playmatch play, dormie, halve, halved, concession
gamer slangnoob, pwned, lag, nerf, buff

Opposites

competitive advantage

one upfall behind

Fail to maintain pace

trail · lag behind · lose · lose ground · come up short

interpersonal dynamic

one updefer

Delay or submit

yield · cooperate · collaborate · build up · support

Family

one, up, upon, upper, oneself, ups, one-upped, one-up, one-upmanship

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G