ahead of (someone or something's) time
ahead of (someone or something's) time
More innovative than can be properly appreciated in someone or something's lifetime. He was really ahead of his time with this music—critics in the 1970s just couldn't see it. That show was really ahead of its time tackling issues like that.
ahead of time
Earlier than a given deadline. If we get to the theater ahead of time, we'll have our pick of good seats. My term paper isn't due until next week, but I finished it ahead of time.
*ahead of one's time
Fig. having ideas or attitudes that are too advanced to be acceptable in the present. (*Typically: be ~; think ~.) Sue's grandmother was ahead of her time in wanting to study medicine.
*ahead of time
beforehand; before the announced time. (*Typically: arrive ~; get there ~; leave ~; show up ~.) If you show up ahead of time, you will have to wait. Be there ahead of time if you want to get a good seat.
ahead of time
Earlier, sooner, as in The meeting was scheduled for three o'clock, but most people arrived ahead of time. [Early 1900s]
ahead of your/its time
COMMON If someone or something is ahead of their time, they have or show ideas that are so modern that most people have not accepted them yet. My mother was ahead of her time. She surrounded me with culture and art. The idea was too far ahead of its time, and had attracted some amusement locally. Note: You can also say that someone or something is before their time. His only mistake, he insists, is that he was 20 years before his time.