get the jump on


get the jump on (someone or something)

To gain an advantage over someone or something, typically by doing something early or ahead of others. The senator got the jump on the challenger by visiting the state three times before his opponent managed to make an appearance.See also: get, jump, on

get (or have) the jump on

get (or have) an advantage over someone as a result of your prompt action. North American informal 1912 George Ade Knocking the Neighbors Rufus was sinfully Rich…his Family had drilled into him the low-down Habit of getting the Jump on the Other Fellow. See also: get, jump, on