get up early

From the idea that a large and difficult task requires substantial preparation and effort.

get up early (third-person singular simple present gets up early, present participle getting up early, simple past got up early, past participle (UK) got up early or (US) gotten up early)

2. To be dedicated and well-prepared in pursuing a goal.

   Synonym: pack a lunch

   you have to get up early if you want to [X]

   you need to get up pretty early in the morning if you want to [X]

   You have to get up pretty early in the morning if you want to outsmart or outwork Jane.

   • 1914, The American Flint, volume 6, page 35:

     Brother Joseph Ruziska, our expert clothing salesman, says you have got to get up early in the morning to show him anything about selling clothes.

   • 1984, Newsweek:

     You have to get up early to beat our features. Accu-Set makes setting the alarm and time fast and easy.

   • 1998, Rene Padilla, Sue Byers-Connon, Helene Lohman, Occupational Therapy with Elders, page 43:

     You have to get up pretty early to catch up with Simone or she'll leave you in the dust!

4. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see get up,‎ early.

   Synonym: rise with the lark

   Antonyms: go to bed with the sun, go to bed with the chickens

   Next Tuesday we'll have to get up early, because the site visit starts at dawn.