in the running
Idioms-
Entered as a competitor in a contest. For example, Is Mary in the running for this election? The antonym, out of the running , means “not entered as a competitor,” as in Ian is out of the running for the job now that he's living in another state . [Mid-1800s]
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Having a chance to win, as in Mary's still in the running for the promotion . Again, out of the running means the opposite, as in He's too old—he's out of the running . [Mid-1800s] Both usages allude to the entry and chances of a horse in a race.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You can learn more and vote here, plus read some delightful bios on the bears in the running or peruse its hall of champions.
From Salon ● Sep. 26, 2026
There is no material difference in the running stats, but United were returning 2.29 points per game compared to the 0.8 this season.
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026
“We certainly want to get more explosive in the running game,” general manager Brett Veach said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
The South Korean megastars were widely tipped in the running for several of the Grammys' top honours, including Album of the Year, after their comeback album, ARIRANG, became one of this year's best-selling hits.
From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026
While Jackson won the popular vote, none of the five candidates in the running that year received enough electoral votes to win.
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
