get a/the jump on (someone/something)

mainly American, informal

to start doing something before other people start, or before something happens, in order to get an advantage for yourself.

If I leave work early on Fridays I can get a jump on the traffic.

• if the worst comes to the worst
• If thinks something, they've got another thing coming!
• If thinks something, they've got another think coming!
• If thinks, they've got another thing coming!
• If thinks, they've got another think coming!
• if worst comes to worst
• If you believe that, you'll believe anything!
• if you can help it
• If you can't beat 'em!
• If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!
• If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
• if you catch my drift
• if you get my drift
• If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
• if you play cards right
• if you play your cards right
• If you've got it, flaunt it!
• Ignorance is bliss.
• I guess so
• I have to hand it to
• I have to hand it to someone
• ill at ease
• I'll be a monkey's uncle!
• I'll be damned
• I'll be damned if I