noun
one step ahead
Used literally or figuratively for being slightly ahead in position, planning, or progress.
彼はいつも一歩先を読んでいる。
He is always thinking one step ahead.
一歩先の未来を想像してみよう。
Let's imagine the future one step ahead.
Compound of 一歩 (ippo, 'one step') and 先 (saki, 'ahead').