one jump ahead
A little bit more prepared, skilled, or successful than someone or something else; able to outmaneuver or outpace someone or something. I've been working extra hard so that I'm one jump ahead of the new girl threatening to take my job. That crook hasn't been arrested yet because he's always one jump ahead of the cops. Our competitors will always be trying to overtake us in the market, so we just have to make sure we stay one jump ahead.
one jump ahead of someone/something
n. in advance of someone or something; a step ahead of someone or something. I try to be one jump ahead of the problems.