One-Up

One-Up is a strategy used in competitive settings where a person attempts to outperform or excel past others' achievements, often by highlighting their own successes or skills. The goal is to stand out or gain recognition by surpassing what others have accomplished. For example, if someone shares a personal accomplishment, the responder might share a bigger or more impressive achievement to shift focus or demonstrate their own higher level of success. While sometimes used playfully, it can also create a competitive or boastful tone, emphasizing individual achievement over collaboration.