Run rings around Meaning in English
expression
ˈɹən/ /ˈɹɪŋz/ /ɝˈaʊn/, /ɝˈaʊnd
RUN RINGZ uh-ROUND
ɹˈʌn/ /ɹˈɪŋz/ /ɐɹˈaʊnd
run RINGZ uh-ROUND
Definition
To easily outperform, outsmart, or be much better than someone else, especially in a competition or comparison.
Usage & Nuances
Informal British idiom, also common in American English. Used to compare people or teams when one is clearly superior. Often appears as 'run circles around'. Not literal—never use for physical running.
Spanish: superar ampliamente - dejar atrás (en habilidad)Portuguese (BR): dar um banho em - superar com facilidadePortuguese (PT): dar uma tareia em - superar com facilidadeChinese (Simplified): 远远超过 - 轻松胜过Chinese (Traditional): 遠遠超過 - 輕鬆勝過Hindi: असानी से मात देना - बहुत आगे होनाArabic: يتفوق على بكثير - يهزم بسهولةBengali: অতি সহজেই পেছনে ফেলে রাখা - অনেক ভালো করাRussian: делать кого-либо в два счёта - легко превосходитьJapanese: はるかに上回る - 圧倒するVietnamese: vượt trội hoàn toàn - bỏ xaKorean: 완전히 능가하다 - 훨씬 뛰어나다Turkish: fark atmak - açık ara üstün olmakUrdu: آسانی سے بازی لے جانا - بہت بہتر ہوناIndonesian: mengungguli dengan mudah - jauh lebih baik
Example Sentences
Our team can run rings around theirs.
basic
She can run rings around her classmates in math.
basic
The new phone runs rings around the old model.
basic
Honestly, you could run rings around me in chess!
natural
That kid can run rings around most adults with computers.
natural
If we work together, we can run rings around the competition.
natural