one-up (w
n
p
)
tr.v. Informal one-·upped, one-·up·ping, one-·ups To keep one step ahead of (a competitor or opponent, for example).
[TahlilGaran] American Dictionary ▲
one up adj. phr. Having an advantage; being one step ahead,
John graduated from high school; he is one up on Bob, who dropped out. The Platters are one up on their neighbors. They own the only color television set in their neighborhood. [TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲