Steal a march on
Meaning
To gain an advantage over someone by acting quickly and secretively before they have a chance to react or prepare.
Origin
Imagine the hush of a 17th-century battlefield just before dawn, where military tactics often hinged on cunning and stealth. A 'march' was simply the movement of an army, trudging across the landscape from one point to another. To 'steal a march' meant precisely that: to move your troops secretly and swiftly under the cover of night or fog, gaining crucial ground or a strategic position before the enemy even realized you were gone or had shifted. This covert maneuver allowed a commander to seize a critical advantage, catching the opposition unaware and unprepared. It was a literal stealth operation, ensuring victory by being one critical step ahead.
Examples
- The rival company tried to steal a march on its competitors by releasing its new product a week early.
- She managed to steal a march on the other candidates by submitting her application well before the deadline.