Jealousy & Competition: English Vocabulary List

to act very fast in order to get advantage over someone

"We stole a march on them."

"By launching their product a week earlier, the company managed to steal a march on their main competitor."

to declare one's participation or candidacy in a competition or contest

"He threw his hat in the ring."

"Several ambitious candidates decided to throw their hats into the ring for the prestigious leadership position."

used of a person or organization that is more successful or performing much better than its rivals

"Our company is ahead of the pack."

"With their innovative marketing strategy and superior product quality, they are clearly ahead of the pack in this industry."

to constantly try to have or do things as well as others around one, often to show oneself just as successful as they are

"They try to keep up with Joneses."

"Many families feel pressured to keep up with the Joneses, constantly buying new cars and renovating their homes."

to react more quickly than someone in doing or achieving something

"She beat me to the draw."

"He was so quick to respond to the question that he beat everyone else to the draw."

in a better position compared to one's rivals or peers

"We are ahead of the game."

"By investing in advanced technology early on, the company remained ahead of the curve and dominated the market."

closely following or pursuing someone or something, often in a persistent or bothersome manner

"He is on my heels."

"The determined detective was hot on the suspect's heels, determined to catch him before he escaped."

used to refer to the energetic and thrilling nature of an activity where people compete or argue with each other, creating an exciting and lively atmosphere

"He likes the cut and thrust."

"She thrived in the cut and thrust of the stock market, enjoying the constant competition and rapid decision-making."

near the point of surpassing a fellow competitor

"Close on his heels."

"The determined athlete was running close on his heels, determined to win the marathon after a challenging race."