in front of in front of prep. Ahead of; before. The rabbit was running in front of the dog. A big oak tree stood in front of the building. Contrast: IN BACK OF (1). No categories: add yours Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: I Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Discuss