get/have/gain a/the jump on
phrase
: to get or have an early advantage over (someone) by acting quickly or doing something first
The company came out with its software earlier than expected and got the jump on its competitors.
Cite this Entry
“Get/have/gain a/the jump on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%2Fhave%2Fgain%20a%2Fthe%20jump%20on. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
