"Preen" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
To preen means to smooth or tidy one's feathers or hair, typically nervously or excessively, or to be very pleased about one's appearance. It can also be used figuratively to describe when someone is excessively proud of something.
To act before something happens in order to gain an advantage or prevent the other person from doing something. It means taking the initiative to do something before someone else has a chance to do it, often to prevent a possible negative outcome or to strengthen one's position.