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
Security in the Age of AI A proactive, security-first approach and AI-alert mindset empower organizations to stay one step ahead of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
—
Stephen Moore, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Though the statesman tries to stay one step ahead of the sovereign, the facade he’s so carefully crafted starts to crack.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025
San Diego has consistently been a few steps behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, but this winter, the Padres could get one step ahead of their rivals.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Appropriate for: Ages 9+ Perfect for: Aspiring reporters, secret-keepers, and kids who always one step ahead of the adults in their lives
'The Little Rascals'
As the name suggests, the kids at the center of this ‘90s re-imagining of the classic TV series are a bit mischievous.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a/one step ahead of
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Stephen Moore, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Though the statesman tries to stay one step ahead of the sovereign, the facade he’s so carefully crafted starts to crack.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025
San Diego has consistently been a few steps behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, but this winter, the Padres could get one step ahead of their rivals.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Appropriate for: Ages 9+ Perfect for: Aspiring reporters, secret-keepers, and kids who always one step ahead of the adults in their lives
'The Little Rascals'
As the name suggests, the kids at the center of this ‘90s re-imagining of the classic TV series are a bit mischievous.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
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 3 Apr. 2025.
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