# one step ahead

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/one-step-ahead
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

maintaining a slight advantage; continuing to lead

## Examples

- She stays one step ahead of her competitors.
- The detective stayed one step ahead of the thief by predicting his next move.
- By anticipating market shifts before they occurred, the savvy investor remained one step ahead of the economic downturn.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.