English-grammar-lessons.co.uk

menu

Run Rings Around

What Does "Run Rings Around" Mean?

homeidiomsRun Rings Around
"Run rings around" is an English idiom. It means "to easily surpass, outwit, or outperform someone or something in a skillful or effective manner; to be significantly more competent or clever."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "run rings around" used in a sentence:
  • As a chess grandmaster, he could run rings around his opponents, demonstrating superior strategy and foresight.
  • In the debate, she ran rings around her opponent, using well-researched arguments and quick thinking.
  • The experienced team could run rings around their competitors when it came to product development and innovation.
meaning for run rings around

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Run Rings Around" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

A Quick Test

You now know what "run rings around" means, but are you good at English idioms? Let's see!
gold cup
Gold

gold cup
Silver

gold cup
Bronze

  • This test has questions.
  • A correct answer is worth 5 points.
  • You can get up to 5 bonus points for a speedy answer.
  • Some questions demand more than one answer. You must get every part right.
  • Beware! Wrong answers score 0 points.
  • 🏆 If you beat one of the top 3 scores, you will be invited to apply for the Hall of Fame.
Scoring System

Guru (+)
Hero (+)
Captain (+)
Sergeant (+)
Recruit (+)
Help Us To Improve English Grammar Lessons
  • Do you disagree with something on this page?
  • Did you spot a typo?
Please tell us using this form.
Do you know your English idioms? idioms test

Take Our Test.

search icon

Search our idioms database. (We have 10,000+ idioms!)