The steam needed to get in front? (5)

I believe the answer is:

ahead

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'in front?' is the definition.
('ahead' can be a synonym of 'in front')

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for ahead that I've seen before include "In front as in race" , "in van" , "at pole" , "Forwards" , "Forward - in front" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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