a/one step ahead of
idiom
1
: better prepared than (someone or something)
The teacher really has to work to keep one step ahead of the class.
She always seems to be one step ahead of me.
2
: able to avoid being caught or found by (someone or something)
So far the killer has managed to stay one step ahead of the police/law.
Examples of a/one step ahead of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Our future is full of opportunities just waiting to be discovered, and leaders who are future-ready will be one step ahead of the game.
—
Ron Zamir, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Minnesota Vikings 30, Chicago Bears 27 (OT): The Vikings let a 14-point fourth-quarter lead evaporate, but managed to pull this one out in overtime to keep pace behind the division-leading Lions and a step ahead of the Packers.
—Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024
Companies that at least acknowledge that AI is likely to change their business model are one step ahead of the pack, and those who develop those new business models will be tomorrow’s leaders.
Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn.
—Jim McGregor, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
Allar wanted to go to Warren on fourth down, but the Buckeyes took Warren out of the play, symbolic of one program that always seems to be one step ahead of the other.
—Will Graves, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for a/one step ahead of 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Ron Zamir, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Minnesota Vikings 30, Chicago Bears 27 (OT): The Vikings let a 14-point fourth-quarter lead evaporate, but managed to pull this one out in overtime to keep pace behind the division-leading Lions and a step ahead of the Packers.
—Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024
Companies that at least acknowledge that AI is likely to change their business model are one step ahead of the pack, and those who develop those new business models will be tomorrow’s leaders.
Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn.
—Jim McGregor, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
Allar wanted to go to Warren on fourth down, but the Buckeyes took Warren out of the play, symbolic of one program that always seems to be one step ahead of the other.
—Will Graves, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for a/one step ahead of
Cite this Entry
“A/one step ahead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%2Fone%20step%20ahead%20of. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share