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Synonyms

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.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Indeed, the Super Bowl host committee is presenting an Innovation Summit ahead of the game, which includes a panel covering AI and the future of global fandom.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 6, 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

Giving evidence to the committee, Chief Constable Craig Guildford said the police evaluation had been based primarily on information given to the force by Dutch police commanders ahead of the game.

From BBC • Dec. 7, 2025

No, I need to look one step ahead of the game.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.