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3. in the running

in the running

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in the running

Fig. in competition; competing and having a chance to win. (See also in a bind and the examples.) Is Tom still in the running? Does he still have a chance to be elected? I don't know about Tom, but Gladys is definitely still in the running.

See also: running

in the running

having a chance to win This movie must be in the running for best documentary.

Usage notes: said about a competition or election

Opposite of: out of the running

See also: running

in the running

1. 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]

2. 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.

See also: running

in the running

1. Entered as a contender in a competition.

2. Having the possibility of winning or placing well in a competition.

See also: running