1. ahead of the pack - to be better or more successful than the competition.
2. the elephant in the room - a big problem or controversial issue which is
obvious, but which no one wants to talk about.
3. the upper hand - to have an advantage over someone else.
4. in the red - when a company is not profitable and is operating at a loss.
5. start off on the wrong foot - to start something in a negative way.
6. corner a market - to dominate a specific market.