The phrase "gets the jump on" means to gain an advantage over someone by acting before them. The word "jump" is spelled with a /dʒ/ sound at the beginning, which represents the phoneme for the letter "j". The "u" in "jump" is pronounced with a /ʌ/ sound, indicating a short vowel sound. The "m" in "jump" is silent, causing the word to rhyme with "bump" and "dump". The spelling of this phrase is unique and cannot be easily guessed by its pronunciation.
The phrase "gets the jump on" refers to gaining an advantage or taking action before others in a specific situation. This idiom is commonly used to describe a person or entity who is quick to initiate or capitalize on an opportunity, often catching others off guard or creating a head start. It implies being one step ahead of competitors, rivals, or even unexpected challenges.
The term "get" implies acquiring or achieving something, while "the jump" alludes to the act of starting or commencing earlier than expected. When someone "gets the jump on" others, it means they have gained an advantageous position in the race or competition of events. This advantage can range from being the first to take action, anticipate a situation, or respond quickly to changing circumstances.
The phrase is commonly used in contexts such as sports, business, or even personal activities where proactive or swift action is crucial for success. For example, in a business setting, a company that "gets the jump on" its competitors effectively launches a new product or service ahead of schedule, grabbing the attention and loyalty of potential customers before anyone else. Similarly, in a sports competition, a team that "gets the jump on" their opponents takes an early lead, putting pressure on their rivals and increasing their chances of victory.