be streets ahead of sb/sth

/biː stɹˈiːts ɐhˈɛd ɒv ˌɛsbˈiː slˈaʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

/biː stɹˈiːts ɐhˈɛd ʌv ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

[phrase]

to be streets ahead of sb/sth

[PHRASE]

to deliver a much better performance compared to that of others'

to [be] streets ahead of {sb/sth} definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "be streets ahead of somebody or something" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "be streets ahead of somebody or something" is believed to have originated in British English in the 1980s. The idiom means to be far ahead of someone or something in terms of skill, ability, or quality, with the implication that the difference is so great that it is like being on different streets.

Examples

1. The new smartphone is streets ahead of its predecessor, with a larger screen and more powerful processor.

2. The experienced lawyer is streets ahead of her young colleagues, with a deep understanding of the law and years of courtroom experience.

Nearby words