get the jump on

get the jump on or have the jump on  {v. phr.},  {slang}
To get ahead of; start before (others); have an advantage over.
Don't let the other boys get the jump on you at the beginning of the race.
Our team got the jump on their rivals in the first minutes of play, and held the lead to win.
Categories: {slang} {v. phr.}