先せん手てを取とる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

take the initiative; get ahead; make the first move

Used when someone acts before others to gain an advantage, in contexts like games, business, or negotiations.

• 会かい議ぎで先せん手てを取とって意い見けんを述のべた。

  I took the initiative and stated my opinion at the meeting.

• 相あい手てより先せん手てを取とることが勝しょう負ぶの鍵かぎだ。

  Getting ahead of your opponent is the key to winning.