He knew the customs of thatcountry, which is an advantage ______ the other applicants.

此句中之所以填介词 over，与名词advantage 有关，advantage over…的意思是“比……占优势”。又如：

You have the advantage overme in experience. 你经验比我丰富。

He has an advantage over me for he knows someFrench. 由于他懂点法语，所以比我的条件有利。

The company has an unfair advantage over its competitors. 这家公司与竞争者相比有不公平的优势。

East coast resorts have the advantage over west coast ones. 东海岸的旅游胜地比西海岸占优势。

Her French upbringing gives her certain advantages over other students in her class. 她有法国式的教养，使她比班上其他同学略胜一筹。