ahead of the curve
also, behind the curve (negative form)
Commonly used in its positive form (ahead of the curve) more than the negative (behind the curve).
Meaning | Synonyms
- ahead of current thinking or trends
- in front of others with a new idea
- ground-breaking in innovation
- behind the times (negative)
- behind schedule (negative)
Example Sentences
- His ideas are so innovative, he is way ahead of the curve. He might end up running the company at this rate.
- He sold his shares in Nokia and put it into Apple, because he realised they were ahead of the curve.
- She is so ahead of the curve with her dress sense.
- The gym was brand new and way ahead of the curve with the latest equipment and techniques.
- If you're still using postal mail to communicate, you're behind the curve. (negative example)
- When it comes to using the internet, many countries are still years behind the curve. (negative exmaple)
Origin
The idiomatic expression is most probably originated from the US military. And the evidence does certainly support there's a mathematical curve at the origin of the idioms. The phrase generally means that those being mentioned to are in a situation to do in advance or initiate the modern signs of progress in any field - to be ahead of the game, you may say, which is a previous equivalent of the same idiomatic thought.
The literal usages of the phrase also refer to flying. The earliest published recorded can be found in Flying Magazine, 1964:
Inherent stability of the plane - if it is being flown ahead of the power curve with level wings - will control the pitch attitude with less chance of structural damage than a pilot applying large elevator control inputs.
- Flying Magazine, July 1964
The power curve demonstrates how an aircraft's speed changes in response to changes in engine power. It has a pronounced lowest at the airspeed at which the airplane is extremely efficient (minimum drag for the power applied). Under this airspeed, in contradiction of common sense, it takes more thrust to decrease speed while remaining to fly level. An aircraft in this state is supposed by pilots to be behind the curve and it's a dangerous situation to be, nearly stalling speed and with limited possibilities in case of a problem. If you're above the curve, on the other hand, you have many more choices of operation.
This phrase also means someone or something that is out in the front with a new idea, or a new way of doing something. Something that will become popular or even common at some point in the future. It is especially used in companies or with creators/inventors who have innovative or ground-breaking skills and who are literally in the top position statistically which puts them above the norm. People who are ahead or the competition. They can be the first and then others will copy.
