Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

a/one step ahead of

idiom

Definition of a/one step ahead of

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.

Word by Word Definitions

step play

  1. : a rest for the foot in ascending or descending: such as

  2. : one of a series of structures consisting of a riser and a tread

  3. : a ladder rung

  1. : to move by raising the foot and bringing it down elsewhere or by moving each foot in succession

  2. : dance

  3. : to go on foot : walk

  1. : related by virtue of a remarriage (as of a parent) and not by blood

See the full definition of step
ahead play

  1. : in a forward direction or position : forward

  2. : in front

  3. : in, into, or for the future

See the full definition of ahead

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up a/one step ahead of? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games