have the edge
Meaning(s)
1. to have an advantage over others
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
having the edge on other people keeps me ahead of them
Analysis
To have the edge can mean to be in a more favourable position than others, and usually relates to someone having more experience or qualifications than someone else. If you 'have the edge' you have an advantage over someone else. This idiomatic expression is mainly suited to a professional context, but it can also be used in a social context.
Social Examples (Basic)
- I'll have the edge on my rival in the race because I trained harder than she did.
- The young boy had the edge on the other kids because his Dad trained him since he could walk.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- This new employee has the edge on us all because he's worked in the industry for years.
- The candidate in the election had the edge on the other candidates because his party had a lot of money to back them up.