in the van

in the van of (something)

At the forefront of something. The lieutenant who was in the van of the assault, leading a small party of machine-gunners to clear a path for the rest of the infantry. The senator had been in the van of the movement to equalize pay for all citizens since the late 1960s.
See also: of, van
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

in the ˈvan

(British English, formal) at the front or in the leading position: The eight warships in the van opened fire on the advancing fleet.
See also: van
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • in the van of (something)
  • van
  • have (something) at heart
  • ahead of the curve
  • ahead of/behind the curve
  • path
  • yellow brick road
  • circle in
  • lead (one) up the garden path
  • lead someone up the garden path
References in periodicals archive
* Get a mother and daughter in the van at the same time
Other challenges & rules
The surrounds found in the van are not thought to be linked to these burglaries.
Owners of hot property are wanted