playing catch up
- catching upClosing a distance
- laggingFailing to keep pace
- scramblingMoving clumsily in haste
- racingSpeed competition sport
- deadlineTime limit for completion
falling behind · behind schedule · rushing · overtime · crunch time · sprinting · hustle · chasing · closing the gap · late · struggling · frantic · pressure · backlog · cramming · running late · competing · recovery
competitive position
playing catch upahead of the game
Having an early advantage
out in front · in the lead · frontrunner · ahead of the curve · staying ahead
pace and timing
playing catch upstaying ahead
coasting · cruising · keeping pace · proactive · ahead of schedule
initiative
playing catch upcalling the shots
Being the one deciding
on the offensive · taking the initiative · blazing a trail · proactive