Slight advantage

EDGE

Think of what a knife has that makes it sharper than the rest, or what a competitor might have just before winning.

Slight advantage" is a straightforward clue where the answer is a common word meaning exactly that. "Edge" fits because it can describe a small lead or benefit in a competition, like having an edge over an opponent. There’s no hidden wordplay here—it’s a direct definition, making it a simple but effective crossword entry. Think of it like the thin edge of a knife giving you a slight upper hand.