先(さき)を越(こ)す

さきをこす
expression
to get ahead of; to beat someone to it
action
1. to get ahead of someone; to beat someone to it; to forestall
To do something before someone else can, gaining an advantage. Often used when someone acts first in a competitive or time-sensitive situation.
先(さき)を越(こ)されてしまった。
Someone beat me to it.
The passive form 先(さき)を越(こ)される is very common.
ライバルに先(さき)を越(こ)されないように急(いそ)いだ。
I hurried so that my rival wouldn't get ahead of me.
同僚(どうりょう)に先(さき)を越(こ)されて昇進(しょうしん)できなかったのが悔(くや)しい。
It's frustrating that I couldn't get promoted because a colleague got ahead of me.

Usage

Very frequently used in the passive form 先(さき)を越(こ)される, expressing frustration or surprise that someone else acted first. Common in business, competition, and everyday situations where timing matters.

Common collocations

  • 先(さき)を越(こ)される (to be beaten to it — passive)
  • ライバルに先(さき)を越(こ)す (to get ahead of a rival)
  • 先(さき)を越(こ)されないように (so as not to be beaten to it)

Similar words

  • 出(で)し抜(ぬ)く: to outwit, to steal a march on — implies cunning or trickery
  • 先手(せんて)を打(う)つ: to make the first move — a strategic preemptive action

Related Words

Compare: 先手(せんて)を打(う)つ (to make the first move)
general
Added 2026.3.15 11:10 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
16500/16921_sakiwokosu