1 B2 neutral
To make rapid and impressive progress, especially ahead of competitors or peers.
"The startup leaped ahead of its rivals by launching the product six months early."
inseparable
leap ahead
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To make a sudden and significant advance in position, knowledge, or development.
In plain English
To suddenly move or improve a lot, much faster than expected.
What does "leap ahead" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To skip forward suddenly in a sequence, story, or line of thought.
"Let me leap ahead to the most important part of the presentation."
inseparable
3 B2 neutral
To increase dramatically in number, level, or value.
"Sales leaped ahead by 40% after the celebrity endorsement."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To jump forward physically, landing ahead of where you started.
Actually means
To suddenly move or improve a lot, much faster than expected.
Usage tip
Often used in contexts of technology, education, business, or competition. Conveys energy and impressiveness. Common in news and business writing.
Words that pair with "leap ahead"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
technology rivals competition field research development
How to conjugate "leap ahead"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
leap ahead
I/you/we/they
3rd person
leaps ahead
he/she/it
Past simple
leaped ahead
yesterday
Past participle
leaped ahead
have + pp
-ing form
leaping ahead
continuous
Hear "leap ahead" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "leap ahead" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "leap ahead"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
advance rapidly bound forward jump ahead race ahead shoot ahead surge ahead
Keep exploring
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