1 B2 neutral
For a vehicle, vessel, or person to move forward rapidly and with great force.
"The speedboat powered ahead as soon as they cleared the harbour mouth."
inseparable
power ahead
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To move or progress rapidly and forcefully, often with confidence or competitive advantage.
In plain English
To go forward quickly and strongly, like a racing car pulling away from the others.
What does "power ahead" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
For a business, economy, or competitor to progress rapidly, outpacing rivals.
"The company powered ahead of its competitors after launching its new product line."
“
China's economy powered ahead at 10% growth for three consecutive decades.
— The Economist, general reporting on Chinese economic growth (2010s)
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Moving forward under great power — not idiomatic but the figurative extension is very natural.
Actually means
To go forward quickly and strongly, like a racing car pulling away from the others.
Usage tip
Common in sports commentary, business news, and economic reporting. Conveys a sense of energy and momentum. Often used when a person, team, or economy is performing noticeably better than rivals. Also used literally of vehicles or vessels moving powerfully forward.
Words that pair with "power ahead"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
economy stocks team company leader vessel athlete
How to conjugate "power ahead"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
power ahead
I/you/we/they
3rd person
powers ahead
he/she/it
Past simple
powered ahead
yesterday
Past participle
powered ahead
have + pp
-ing form
powering ahead
continuous
Hear "power ahead" in the wild
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Other ways to say "power ahead"
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Keep exploring
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