ahead

Pronunciation key ( ə-hed′ )

a•head

adv. and adj.

[a-, on + head].

1. in the front or toward the front.
2. forward, onward.
3. in advance or advanced.

To be in a position of winning or profit. Benefit. Advantage.

To get ahead is to advance socially, financially, et cetera.

To get ahead of is to outdo or excel.

References

Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955