# two steps ahead

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/two-steps-ahead
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Having cleverly anticipated what others will do or think.

## Examples

- She is always two steps ahead of her classmates.
- The experienced manager stayed two steps ahead of the competition by predicting market changes early.
- By anticipating every potential objection during the negotiation, the lawyer remained two steps ahead of his opponent throughout the entire trial.

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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.