a/one step ahead of

phrase

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

Staying one step ahead of the rest always, Vargas infuses the O2 flow with green tea, vitamins, and aloe. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 15 Mar. 2026

The pair passed the 5K mark in 15 minutes, 30 seconds just before turning east on Ben White Boulevard, with Barno one step ahead of Whelan. — Brom Hoban, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026

From gig laborers to salaried workers, a lot of people are keeping their noses to the grindstone in order to remain afloat, avoid job loss, and stay one step ahead of market fluctuations. — February 2, NPR, 2 Feb. 2026

The 12th edition of Material lands at Maravilla Studios from February 5–8, 2026, continuing its reputation as the fair that feels one step ahead of the market. — Natalie Stoclet, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026