think ahead
Consider future consequences
To think ahead is to consider future consequences or needs before they arrive: If you'd thought ahead, you would have brought an umbrella.
The phrase implies foresight and planning rather than reacting to circumstances as they unfold.
Someone who thinks ahead anticipates problems and prepares for them.
- planDetailed proposal for achieving
- plan BAlternative when primary fails
- anticipateExpect beforehand
- foreseePredict future events
- prepareMake ready beforehand
see it coming · rainy day · strategize · long game · forecast · envision · big picture · scheme · calculate · plot · contingency · exit strategy · chess · moves · proactive · forethought · vision · roadmap
- cautioncareful, be careful, cautious, caution, watch out
- getting readyget ready, readying, be prepared, equipping, gear up
- planningplan, planned, planners, to-do lists, calendars
- initiativetake action, taking initiative, go for it, initiating, take the lead
think aheadlive for today
Prioritize present over future
be present · look back · live in the past · reminisce · reflect
think aheadwing it
Act without preparation
fly by the seat of one's pants · shoot from the hip · improvise · go with the flow · play it by ear
think, ahead, thinks, thinking, thinker, thinkers, thought, thoughts, thoughtful