What is the origin of the idiom "steal a march on someone or something" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "steal a march on someone or something" can be traced back to military terminology. It has its roots in military tactics and strategy, where gaining an unexpected advantage or getting ahead of an opponent is essential in warfare. Over time, the phrase has been extended to describe various situations where individuals, groups, or entities gain an advantage or outmaneuver others through clever, unexpected, or strategic actions, beyond just military contexts.