get the jump

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Verb (idiomatic phrase):
    • To gain an early advantage over someone; to act before someone else can, thereby securing a more favorable position. This phrase specifically describes the act of being first to take action or to arrive at a situation, which results in a head start over rivals or competitors.
Usage
  • The core meaning is to obtain a tactical lead by acting sooner than others.
  • It is often used in competitive contexts such as business, sports, or any situation involving rivalry.
  • The typical structure is: [Subject] + get(s)/got/have gotten + the jump on + [Competitor(s)].
Examples
  • Verb:
    • Our research team got the jump on the industry by filing the patent first.
    • By launching the product a month early, the company got the jump on its competitors.
    • We need to get the jump on this story before other news outlets report it.
Advanced Usage
  • "to have the jump on someone": This variant uses "have" to describe the state of already possessing the early advantage.
    • Because they started planning last year, they already have the jump on us.
Variants and Related Words
  • Head start (n): An advantage gained by beginning earlier than others.
    • Starting the project in January gave them a significant head start.
  • Preempt (v): To take action to prevent an event or to forestall someone else's action.
    • They preempted the market with a cheaper alternative.
Synonyms
  • Anticipate: To act as a precursor to; to forestall.
  • Beat someone to the punch: To do something before someone else does.
  • Steal a march on: To gain an advantage over a competitor by acting secretly or sooner.
Related Phrases
  • Get a head start: To begin before others, gaining an initial advantage.
    • The extra funding allowed the lab to get a head start on the experiment.
  • Be one step ahead: To be more prepared or advanced than someone else.
    • By monitoring trends, the analyst stayed one step ahead of the market.
Related Idioms
  • First mover advantage: A business concept where the initial significant occupant of a market segment gains a competitive advantage.
    • Their strategy relied on the first mover advantage by being the first to offer such a service online.
Verb
  1. be there first
    • They had gotten the jump on their competitors