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.
The 36-year-old who grew up in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School - has been reported to be in the running for the role alongside Callum Turner and Jack Lowden.
From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026
Meanwhile, former Pixar filmmaker Brad Bird could also find himself back in the running with his Netflix title, ‘Ray Gunn.’
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026
The field has been crowded: 36 parties initially in the running.
From Slate ● Oct. 28, 2026
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
Below him were eleven male deacons who helped in the running of the church.
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
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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.
