Explore the phrase 'steal a march on someone,' its historical roots in medieval warfare, semantic nuances, and contemporary relevance.
To “steal a march on someone” is to gain an unexpected or surreptitious advantage over another party. This advantage is typically achieved through strategic foresight or by taking action unbeknownst to others, thereby positioning oneself favorably in a competitive situation.
The phrase “steal a march on someone” originates from the context of medieval warfare, where a “march” referred to the distance an army could travel within a given period, typically a day. By marching under the cover of night, a military force could surprise an enemy at dawn or significantly reduce the distance between them, thus securing a strategic advantage. The term transitioned to civilian use by the eighteenth century, as evidenced in literary works such as Tobias Smollett’s Humphry Clinker (1771), where it was used to describe gaining an advantage in non-military contexts.
The semantic core of “steal a march on someone” lies in its connotation of stealth and strategic foresight. The phrase implies not merely gaining an advantage but doing so in a manner that is unexpected and often unobserved by the opposing party. It suggests a level of cunning and preemptive action, often seen in competitive scenarios such as business, politics, or personal rivalries.
In contemporary culture, “steal a march on someone” is frequently used in business and political discourse to describe gaining an edge over competitors or opponents. It has appeared in various forms of media, including literature and journalism, to articulate the notion of strategic advantage. For instance, a company might “steal a march” on its competitors by launching a product ahead of schedule or by securing a key partnership.
In professional contexts, “steal a march on someone” often refers to business strategies or market competition. In social settings, it may describe personal rivalries or friendly competitions. Historically, it retains its military roots, though it is now more commonly applied metaphorically.
The phrase remains relevant in modern discourse, particularly in competitive fields such as business and politics. Its enduring applicability across various contexts suggests a high durability rating.
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“She yesterday wanted to steal a march on poor Liddy.” - Tobias Smollett, Humphry Clinker (1771)