ahead of one's/its time

1 of 2

phrase (1)

: too advanced or modern to be understood or appreciated during the time when one lives or works

As a director, he was ahead of his time. His movies are now regarded as classics, but they were unpopular when he made them.

ahead of one's time

2 of 2

phrase (2)

: too advanced or modern to be understood or appreciated

As a poet, he was ahead of his time.