steal a march on somebody

steal a march on (someone or something)

To gain an unexpected or surreptitious advantage over someone or something, as by accomplishing something before, or better than, someone else. The retail business managed to steal a march on its competitors by signing an exclusive export agreement with Europe. John and I were both trying to win Courtney's heart, but he stole a march on me when he managed to get tickets to Courtney's favorite band.See also: march, on, steal

steal a ˈmarch on somebody

(written) do something before somebody else, and so gain an advantage: The ‘Daily News’ stole a march on our paper by printing the story first.This expression probably comes from the military, referring to armies secretly marching to higher ground in order to be in a better position than the enemy.See also: march, on, somebody, steal