steal a march

Definitions

1. 1

   To gain an advantage unobserved.

   • Fifty thousand men cannot easily steal a march over the sea.
   • You muſt knovv, ſhe yeſterday vvanted to ſteal a march of poor Liddy, and vvent to breakfaſt in the Room vvithout any other companion than her dog, in expectation of meeting vvith the Baronet, […]
   • He enjoyed the idea of stealing a march on society, and seeing the sons he had left at such a disadvantage behind him, ruffling it, in spite of absurd law, with the foolish best.
2. 2

   To start early.

   • They stole a march by taking non-merchandise inventory on January 2.
   • In the morning he stole a march on the sun, for he had finished breakfast when its first rays caught him.

The neighborhood

• neighborget the drop on
• neighborhead start