What does “In the running” mean?
"In the running" means actively participating or competing in a particular event or activity.
What context can I use the in?
Example
There are several candidates in the running for the position.
Example
He's been training hard to be in the running for the marathon.
Example
The team is determined to be in the running for the championship
Is “In the running” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“In the running” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “In the running” effectively in context?
You can use "In the running" to describe someone or something that is actively participating or competing in a particular event or activity. It emphasizes the idea of being a contender or having a chance to succeed. For example, if you're discussing job applicants, you might say, 'There are several candidates "in the running" for the position.'
- 1Job Search
She submitted her application early to ensure she would be in the running for the job.
- 2Sports
He's been training hard to be in the running for the marathon.
- 3Competition
The team is determined to be in the running for the championship.
Similar phrases to “In the running”:
Actively competing or vying for a position or prize
Example
They are still in contention for the championship title.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “In the running” come from?
The origin of the phrase "In the running" is unknown.
Is “In the running” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "In the running" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is frequently used in various contexts, such as job searches, sports, and competitions, to describe active participation or competition.
What tone does “In the running” have?
"In the running" conveys a tone of competitiveness and determination. It suggests that someone or something has a chance to succeed and is actively pursuing that goal.
Can “In the running” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "in the running" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal situations such as interviews, presentations, or professional discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She submitted her application early to ensure she would be "in the running" for the job.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm "in the running"!' to imply active participation or competition.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- competing
- participating
- contending
- vying
- in the mix
Antonyms
- out of the running
- not in contention
- not participating
- not competing
