get ahead
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle ahead
Meanings
Make progress in life or career
Why “ahead”? Moving ahead means advancing along the path before others or despite resistance.
“Hard work helps you get ahead.”
“Extra training helped Nina get ahead at work.”
“You won't get ahead by waiting for opportunities.”
Do something in advance
Why “ahead”? Attention reaches forward into the future so you are ready before it arrives.
“Let's get ahead of the workload.”
“We got ahead by packing the boxes early.”
“We tried to get ahead of the storm by leaving early.”
Become more successful or advanced than someone else
Why “ahead”? One body stays in front of the pack and keeps the gap open.
“Nina worked hard and got ahead of the rest of the class.”
“Our shop got ahead of the others by offering faster delivery.”
Memory hook
Ahead means in front. When you get ahead, you move in front of where you were — you make progress.
Common mistake
I want to get ahead my English.
I want to get ahead in my career. / I want to get better at English.
Get ahead means make progress in life or work, and it does not take a direct object. For a skill, say get better at.
Natural collocations
The word partners “get ahead” most often appears with — learn the phrase, not just the verb.
In conversation
How did you get that promotion so fast?
I took every training course I could. You have to work hard to get ahead.
Don't confuse with
Get ahead means make progress in life or career. Get across means successfully communicate an idea.
Get ahead means make progress in life or career. Get along means have a friendly relationship with someone.
Test yourself
“Hard work helps you get ahead.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
get across
A contrast learners often mix up
Successfully communicate an idea; Reach the other side of a place or barrier
get along
A contrast learners often mix up
Have a friendly relationship with someone; Manage in a particular situation
call ahead
Same ahead pattern: getting ready
Phone before you arrive or before something happens
edge ahead
Same ahead pattern: lead
Move slightly in front of others
forge ahead
Same ahead pattern: progress
Make steady determined progress
look ahead
Same ahead pattern: getting ready
Think about what will happen in the future
plan ahead
Same ahead pattern: getting ready
Make plans for the future in good time
plough ahead
Same ahead pattern: progress
Continue doing something with determination despite difficulty
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