give (one) an/the advantage over (someone or something)

give (one) an/the advantage over (someone or something)

To cause one to be in a favorable or superior position when compared to someone or something else. The team's numerous injuries could give their opponents the advantage over them. I don't want to do anything that might give Sarah an advantage over me.

See also: advantage, give, over

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.