out of the running: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "out of the running" is commonly used to describe a situation where someone or something is no longer a contender or has no chance of winning or succeeding in a particular competition or endeavor. This phrase originated in horse racing, where it was used to describe a horse that was no longer competing for victory. When a horse is "out of the running," it means that it has fallen behind other horses in a race and is no longer in contention for the top positions. This could be due to factors such as exhaustion, injury, or simply not being fast enough compared to the other competitors.

Over time, the idiom "out of the running" has taken on a broader meaning and is now widely used in various contexts beyond horse racing. It is often used metaphorically to describe situations where individuals, teams, or even objects are no longer considered as serious contenders or competitors in a particular race or competition.

For example, in the world of sports, if a team has lost several games and is far behind other teams in the standings, they can be said to be "out of the running" for the championship or playoffs. They no longer have a chance to win or succeed in the competition. Similarly, in the world of politics, if a candidate is consistently polling poorly and has no chance of winning the election, they can be described as "out of the running." Their chances of success are slim to none. This idiom can also be used in everyday situations, such as when someone is applying for a job and is no longer being considered as a candidate for the position.

The idiom "out of the running" is a concise and effective way to convey the idea that someone or something has been eliminated or is no longer in contention. Its origins in horse racing give it a sense of competition and urgency, while its broader usage in various contexts speaks to its widespread applicability in everyday language.

The related idiom "in the running" is used to describe a situation where someone or something is still a contender or has a chance of winning or succeeding in a particular competition or endeavor. Just as "out of the running" implies that the chances of success are slim to none, "in the running" suggests that there is a possibility of achieving victory or success. It can be used in the same contexts as "out of the running," such as in sports, politics, and everyday situations.

Another related idiom is "run out of steam," which means to lose energy, interest, or momentum. This idiom is often used to describe a person or a project that starts off strong, but eventually loses motivation or fails to reach its goals. When someone or something "runs out of steam," they no longer have the energy or drive to continue and are unable to keep up with the competition. This idiom can be used to further emphasize the idea that someone or something is no longer in contention or has no chance of winning or succeeding.

A different idiom, "run out," is also related to the concept of being "out of the running." "Run out" means to use up or exhaust a supply of something. When someone or something "runs out," they no longer have that particular thing in their possession or available to them. In the context of being "out of the running," this idiom can be used to suggest that someone or something has exhausted all their resources, opportunities, or chances of success. They are no longer a contender or competitor because they have nothing left to offer.

The idiom "out of the running" is commonly used to describe a situation where someone or something is no longer a contender or has no chance of winning or succeeding in a particular competition or endeavor. It has its origins in horse racing, where it was used to describe a horse that was no longer competing for victory. Over time, this idiom has taken on a broader meaning and is now widely used in various contexts beyond horse racing. It is often used metaphorically to describe situations where individuals, teams, or objects are no longer considered serious contenders or competitors. The related idioms "in the running," "run out of steam," and "run out" further emphasize the idea of being out of contention or having no chance of success. Each of these idioms has its own unique nuances and can be used in different contexts to convey specific meanings. By understanding and using these idioms, you can effectively communicate the idea of being out of the running in a concise and engaging manner.