To think, plan, or act too far in advance before the appropriate time.
To plan or do something too soon before you are ready or before it makes sense.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To think about or plan for future events before dealing with what is happening now.
"I'm already imagining our wedding, but I think I'm getting ahead of myself — we've only been on two dates."
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
— Common self-correction phrase; notably used by Barack Obama in various speeches and interviews
To act or make decisions before you have the necessary information or authority.
"Don't get ahead of yourself — we haven't approved the budget yet."
To physically outrun yourself — an impossible image that captures the idea of moving faster than your own situation allows.
To plan or do something too soon before you are ready or before it makes sense.
Usually used in the reflexive form ('I'm getting ahead of myself'). Often used as a self-correction during speech, e.g. 'But I'm getting ahead of myself — let me explain the background first.'
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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