fighting to be first; scrambling to take the lead
Describes people competing eagerly to be the first to do something, often in a rush or with a sense of urgency. Used adverbially with verbs like する, 出る, 走る.
The children scrambled to get on the bus first.
On the release day of the new product, customers rushed to the store, fighting to be first.
Kana spelling of the verb part; less common but still used.
Fixed expression from 先 (さき, 'ahead; first') + を + the te-form of 争う (あらそう, 'to compete; to fight for'), literally 'competing for the lead'.