make headway


make headway (http://definr.com/make headway)

     v : obtain advantages, such as points, etc.; "The home team was
         gaining ground"; "After defeating the Knicks, the Blazers
         pulled ahead of the Lakers in the battle for the
         number-one playoff berth in the Western Conference" [syn:
          gain, advance, win, pull ahead, get ahead, {gain
         ground}] [ant: fall back]