get ahead
يتقدم
Literally: to obtain forward
Use it to describe ambitious progress in your career, finances, or personal goals.
In 15 Seconds
- To make progress or become successful in life.
- Commonly used for career growth and financial improvement.
- Implies moving faster or doing better than others.
Meaning
To 'get ahead' means to make progress or become more successful than you were before, especially in your career or financial life. It is like moving to the front of a race while everyone else is still running behind you.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing career goals
I'm taking an extra course to get ahead in my field.
I'm taking an extra course to get ahead in my field.
Talking about finances
It's hard to get ahead when you have so many bills to pay.
It's hard to get ahead when you have so many bills to pay.
At the office
She worked through the weekend to get ahead of the deadline.
She worked through the weekend to get ahead of the deadline.
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply rooted in the capitalist 'rat race' culture of the mid-20th century. It reflects the Western ideal that life is a competition where one must constantly improve their status. In many English-speaking countries, 'getting ahead' is often synonymous with financial stability and professional prestige.
The 'Of' Rule
If you want to mention a specific person or deadline, add 'of'. Example: 'I want to get ahead of my competitors.'
Don't over-use it
In some cultures, constantly talking about 'getting ahead' can sound a bit selfish or overly competitive. Use it for your own goals, not to brag.
In 15 Seconds
- To make progress or become successful in life.
- Commonly used for career growth and financial improvement.
- Implies moving faster or doing better than others.
What It Means
Think of life as a long road. When you get ahead, you are moving faster than the average person. It is about reaching a better position in society or your job. It is not just about finishing a task. It is about winning at the game of life. You are gaining an advantage or improving your status.
How To Use It
You usually use it with work or money. You can say you want to get ahead in your career. You can also use it for small tasks. If you finish your homework early, you get ahead of the schedule. Just remember, it implies a bit of competition. You are trying to be in the lead.
When To Use It
Use this during a job interview to show ambition. Tell your boss you want to get ahead in the company. Use it when talking to friends about your long-term goals. It works well when discussing saving money too. If you pay your bills early, you are trying to get ahead of your debt. It sounds very proactive and positive.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for physical movement. If you are walking faster than a friend, do not say "I am getting ahead." Say "I am walking faster." Also, avoid it in very relaxed, non-competitive settings. You do not get ahead at a Sunday picnic. That just sounds like you are trying too hard to win at relaxing. Nobody likes a competitive napper.
Cultural Background
This phrase is the heart of the "American Dream." Western culture prizes individual success and upward mobility. To get ahead is seen as a moral good. It suggests that hard work leads to a better life. It became very popular during the industrial boom. Everyone wanted to climb the social ladder.
Common Variations
You can say get ahead of the game. This means you are prepared for future problems. Another one is get ahead of yourself. This is a warning! It means you are acting too fast before you are ready. Do not buy a wedding dress on the first date. That is definitely getting ahead of yourself.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for most environments. Be careful with the variation 'get ahead of yourself,' as it is a gentle criticism of someone's impatience.
The 'Of' Rule
If you want to mention a specific person or deadline, add 'of'. Example: 'I want to get ahead of my competitors.'
Don't over-use it
In some cultures, constantly talking about 'getting ahead' can sound a bit selfish or overly competitive. Use it for your own goals, not to brag.
The Rat Race
Native speakers often link 'getting ahead' with the 'rat race'—the feeling that everyone is trapped in a competitive struggle for wealth.
Examples
6I'm taking an extra course to get ahead in my field.
I'm taking an extra course to get ahead in my field.
Shows ambition and proactive learning.
It's hard to get ahead when you have so many bills to pay.
It's hard to get ahead when you have so many bills to pay.
Expresses the struggle of saving money.
She worked through the weekend to get ahead of the deadline.
She worked through the weekend to get ahead of the deadline.
Refers to finishing work before it is due.
I'm meal prepping today to get ahead for the week.
I'm meal prepping today to get ahead for the week.
Casual use for organization and planning.
Don't get ahead of yourself; we haven't even won the lottery yet!
Don't get ahead of yourself; we haven't even won the lottery yet!
Using the variation to tell someone not to be over-excited.
You've got the talent to really get ahead in this city.
You've got the talent to really get ahead in this city.
Supportive and motivational tone.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about career growth.
If you want to ___ ahead in this company, you need to network.
The standard collocation for making progress in a career is 'get ahead'.
Identify the correct variation for being too hasty.
Slow down! You are getting ahead of ___.
To 'get ahead of yourself' is a common idiom meaning to act or plan too far in advance.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Get Ahead'
Talking to family about savings.
I need to get ahead of my rent.
Standard workplace conversation.
He's trying to get ahead in marketing.
Performance reviews or speeches.
Our strategy is designed to help you get ahead.
Where to use 'Get Ahead'
Corporate Ladder
Getting a promotion.
Personal Finance
Paying off a loan early.
Education
Studying for next week's test.
Daily Tasks
Finishing chores early.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means to be promoted or to become more successful than your peers. For example, I worked late to get ahead of the other interns.
They are similar, but get ahead implies a competitive advantage. Move forward is more about general progress without comparing yourself to others.
Yes, if a team scores and takes the lead, you can say they got ahead. However, take the lead is more common in sports commentary.
Not at all! It shows you are ambitious. Just don't say I want to get ahead of YOU to a colleague's face, as that sounds aggressive.
It means to be faster than a new trend or change. If you learn AI now, you are getting ahead of the curve in the tech world.
Absolutely. If you read the textbook chapters before the teacher assigns them, you are getting ahead of the class.
It is okay, but more formal words like advance or excel are usually preferred in written resumes. Save get ahead for the interview conversation.
The opposite would be fall behind. If you don't study, you will fall behind your classmates.
No, it can be about time or organization. For example, I'm cleaning the house now to get ahead of the weekend rush.
Yes! This means solving a problem before it becomes too big. It is a very common phrase in business management.
Related Phrases
climb the ladder
To move up in a company's hierarchy.
get a leg up
To get an advantage over others.
stay on top of things
To remain in control of your responsibilities.
make headway
To make progress in a difficult situation.
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