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run circles around. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
run circles around, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
run circles around in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
run circles around you have here. The definition of the word
run circles around will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
run circles around, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
Figurative, by the metaphor of lapping footrace competitors.
Verb
run circles around (third-person singular simple present runs circles around, present participle running circles around, simple past ran circles around, past participle run circles around)
- (figurative) To outperform by a great margin.
- Synonyms: run rings around, run rings round
You may think you're a good seller Carla, but Rickey will run circles around you any day!
Usage notes
- This phrase is the prototype for many variants using verbs other than "run". In some cases the resulting expressions seem strained because the literal sense of "circles" clashes with the nature of the verb. See Citations:run circles around#Variants.