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out of the running
01
with no chance of succeeding in a competition
What is the origin of the idiom "out of the running" and when to use it?
The origins of The idiom "out of the running" are unclear, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century. The idiom can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from a political candidate who has dropped out of a race to a sports team that has been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. It can also be used in a more general sense to describe a person or thing that is no longer considered a viable option for a particular opportunity or goal.
Example
They were out of the running for the award after they received negative reviews from the judges.
They are out of the running for the championship this year, as they have lost all their matches so far.
She has been out of the running for the job since she failed the interview.
He has been out of the running for the promotion since he missed the deadline.
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