get ahead
phrasal verb·2 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.”
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
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
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
press ahead
Same ahead pattern: progress
Continue with something despite difficulties
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