ahead of the game

Idioms  

1. In a position of advantage, especially financially; succeeding or winning. For example, If we can sell 2,000 units of this product by next month, we'll be well ahead of the game. This idiom uses ahead of in the sense of “in advance of,” a usage dating from the mid-1700s, and transfers success in gambling (the game) to winning in other areas. Also see come out ahead.

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Example Sentences

After the defeat in Portugal stopped Madrid reaching the last 16 directly, the Santiago Bernabeu crowd was in unforgiving mood and whistled their own players, despite appeals from Arbeloa and Mbappe ahead of the game.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

The odds will fluctuate in the days ahead of the game.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

The Raiders placed their two best players, tight end Brock Bowers and defensive end Maxx Crosby, on injured reserve ahead of the game.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

“You’re way ahead of the game if you did,” said Anora Gaudiano, a New York City-based certified financial planner.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 24, 2025

How were they going to stay ahead of the game if the boys had free lemonade to sell?

From "The Lemonade War" by Jacqueline Davies

Related Words

• fortunate
• fruitful
• happy
• lucky
• lucrative
• outstanding
• prosperous
• rewarding
• strong
• wealthy