Ahead of the curve

Posted by Bruce Kahl on November 06, 2005

In Reply to: Ahead of the curve posted by Fran on November 05, 2005

: Hi, is there anyone who can help me with the meaning of the phrase "ahead of the curve"? Thank you.

If you are ahead of the curve you are advanced in some way--you are considered not average.

For instance, if you were to chart the heights of 1000 people walking in a mall the average height would maybe be 5 foot 8 inches tall or so.

The people who measured 6 foot 5 inches tall are considered to ahead of the curve.

The phrase can be applied to an assortment of characteristics, from clothing styles to electronics to literature.