Get one up on Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡɛt/, /ˈɡɪt/ /ˈwən/ /ˈəp/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
GET wun UP AAN
ɡˈɛt/ /wˈɒn/ /ˈʌp/ /ˈɒn
get WON UP ON
Definition
To gain an advantage or be in a better position than someone, especially by being clever or successful.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used when discussing friendly competition or rivalry. It implies a small, sometimes temporary, advantage. Common with 'someone' (e.g., 'get one up on him'). Not literal; usually about social, work, or playful contexts.
Spanish: sacar ventaja sobre - llevar ventaja sobrePortuguese (BR): levar vantagem sobre - tirar vantagem dePortuguese (PT): ter vantagem sobre - levar a melhor sobreChinese (Simplified): 占上风 - 胜过Chinese (Traditional): 佔上風 - 勝過Hindi: पर बढ़त बना लेना - किसी पर जीत पानाArabic: يتفوّق على - يتغلب علىBengali: এক ধাপ এগিয়ে থাকা - সুবিধা নেওয়াRussian: переплюнуть - получить преимуществоJapanese: 一枚上手を取る - 優位に立つVietnamese: vượt mặt - chiếm ưu thếKorean: 한 발 앞서다 - 우위를 점하다Turkish: bir adım öne geçmek - üstünlük sağlamakUrdu: بازی لے جانا - سبقت لے جاناIndonesian: mengungguli - mendapatkan keunggulan
Example Sentences
He studied extra to get one up on his classmates.
basic
She always tries to get one up on her brother.
basic
Winning the game helped them get one up on the other team.
basic
You can't let him get one up on you every time!
natural
She likes to get one up on her coworkers by sharing news first.
natural
It's not about money—he just wants to get one up on his rivals.
natural