go first; do in advance; advance guard
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesverb
to go ahead; to go in advance; to precede
Often used in military or logistical contexts, or metaphorically for pioneers and forerunners.
Before the troops arrive, the provisions go first.
He is a pioneer in this field.
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You go ahead first, and I will arrive shortly after.
verb
to do in advance; to carry out beforehand
Indicates actions performed prior to a main event, often as a trial or preliminary step.
This issue needs to be resolved first.
We conducted a trial run for three months first.
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Please notify the relevant personnel in advance.
noun
advance guard; vanguard officer; forerunner
formalOriginally a military term for the officer leading advance troops; extended to mean a pioneer in a particular field.
He is a forerunner in the technology industry.
In ancient armies, the advance guard was responsible for scouting the path.
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The pioneers of this technology made enormous efforts.