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Zorluk: OrtaIdioms and Idiomatic Expressions

By launching their innovative product line two months ahead of their chief competitor, the technology firm managed to steal a march on the rest of the industry.

Which of the following options best conveys the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

  1. gain an unexpected advantage over rivals by acting before themCevap
  2. B
    illegally acquire patented designs and secrets from competitor firms
  3. C
    force main competitors to withdraw permanently from the consumer market
  4. D
    incur severe financial losses due to premature product development

Cevap

gain an unexpected advantage over rivals by acting before them
The correct option accurately reflects the meaning of 'steal a march on', which is to quietly or unexpectedly secure an advantage over someone, especially a rival, by acting before they are prepared or aware.

Adım Adım Çözüm

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The company released its product two months earlier than its rival, showing proactive timing.
Contextual clues indicate an advantageous strategic move executed ahead of competitors.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the idiom 'steal a march on'
The idiom historically relates to military maneuvers where an army marches secretly to gain a superior position before the opponent realizes it; hence, gaining an early advantage.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally word-by-word; their established metaphorical meaning applies.
3
Match the figurative definition to the correct option
The option stating 'gain an unexpected advantage over rivals by acting before them' reflects the true meaning of the expression.
This option captures both elements of the idiom: priority of action and competitive advantage.

Anahtar Kavram

Idiomatic Interpretation in Context
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Konular

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions

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