the.com/before
The eternal head start that time hands the past and never takes back.
means Earlier in time or sequence than something else, or positioned in front of it.
from Old English beforan, a fusion of be (by) and foran (in front) — literally to be at the front, in space long before it meant in time.
Spatial rootsOnce meant physically ahead, not just earlier.
Twin meaningsCovers both time and rank: before noon, before the king.
Sneaky negativeBefore can mean rather than: death before dishonor.