front runner: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘front runner’ mean?
The idiom "front runner" refers to a person, team, or idea that is in the lead or is considered the most likely to win or succeed in a competition or race.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "leading light" refers to someone who is highly influential or prominent in a particular field or organization. This person is seen as a guiding figure or source of inspiration for others.
An idiom meaning an individual or thing that is the most impressive or influential among others in a given field or situation.
The idiom "in the running" means to be a competitor or have a chance of winning in a particular competition or pursuit.
In the running is an idiom commonly used in American English. The phrase conveys the idea of being considered as a serious contender or participant in a competition or achieving a particular goal. It is often used in various contexts such as politics, sports, job applications, and other competitive situations.
The idiom "in the lead" means to be in a leading or winning position, often in a competition or race.
The idiom "in the front row" means to be in a prominent position or to have a key role in a situation or event.
The idiom "in the front row" is a commonly used phrase that originates from sitting in the front row of a theater or auditorium. The front row is considered the best seat in the house, providing an up-close and unobstructed view of the performance.
The idiom "in front of one's nose" means that something is very obvious or easy to see but is overlooked or not noticed by someone.
The idiomatic expression "in front of one's nose" is widely recognized and used in everyday conversation. It has become a part of the English language, conveying a specific meaning that is generally understood by native speakers.
The idiom "head start" is frequently used in American English to describe a situation where one person or group has an advantage or lead over others in a competitive setting. This phrase, which originated in the mid-20th century, has remained consistent in its meaning over time.
The idiom "headlines" refers to the prominent and attention-grabbing text that appears at the top of a newspaper or news article. It is used metaphorically to indicate something that is of great significance or importance.
The idiom "get the lead out" means to hurry up or move faster, often used as an expression to urge someone to stop procrastinating or to speed up their actions.
"Get the lead out" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in the English language. It originated in the late 19th century in the United States and has since been widely used, particularly in colloquial speech. The phrase consists of three distinct parts: "get," "the," and "lead out."
Unveiling the Leading Contender
The idiom "front runner" is a commonly used phrase that originated in horse racing. In a race, the front runner is the horse that is in the lead position. However, the term has since evolved to have a broader meaning and is now used in both political and non-political contexts.
In modern usage, a front runner refers to a person or a group that is leading or is expected to win in a competition or a race. This could be a political candidate who has the highest chances of winning an election, a sports team that is favored to win a championship, or even a product that is expected to dominate a market.
When someone is described as a front runner, it implies that they have an advantage over their competitors. They may be more popular, skilled, or have more resources. The idea of being a front runner also suggests that they are in a position of superiority or advantage.
Being a front runner can bring both benefits and challenges. On one hand, it can attract attention, support, and opportunities. For example, a front runner in a political race may receive more campaign funding and endorsements. Similarly, a sports team that is a front runner may have more fans and sponsors.
However, being a front runner also invites criticism, scrutiny, and increased pressure to maintain the leading position. This can be especially challenging when there are other competitors who are eager to surpass the front runner. They may work harder or employ different strategies to try to catch up.
In the world of horse racing, the idiom "front runner" refers specifically to the horse in the lead position. However, outside of horse racing, the idiom is used more broadly to describe anyone who is in the front row or leading position in a particular field or endeavor.
For example, in a lecture hall, the front runner is the person sitting in the front row. They are positioned in a prominent spot and have a clear view of the speaker. Similarly, in a concert or a theater performance, the front runner is the person who has the best seats and is closest to the stage.
In a metaphorical sense, someone who is described as a front runner in their field is seen as excelling or leading in that particular area. This could be in education, arts, entertainment, or any other domain where competition and hierarchy exist.
It's important to note that being a front runner is not a guaranteed victory. Just as in horse racing, other competitors may catch up or surpass the front runner, causing a shift in the dynamics of the race or competition. Therefore, being a front runner requires vigilance and effort to maintain the leading position.
Front runners can emerge through various means. In politics, they may gain momentum through favorable poll numbers, strong public perception, endorsements from influential figures, or a successful campaign. In sports, front runners are often determined by their track record, performance, and overall strength as a team or individual athlete. In business, front runners may arise from a combination of factors such as innovation, market dominance, customer loyalty, and brand reputation.
Overall, the idiom "front runner" reflects the dynamics of competition, leadership, and advantage. Whether referring to a political candidate, a sports team, a product, or an individual, being a front runner means being in a prominent position and dealing with the expectations, challenges, and uncertainties that come with it.
Example usage
1. In a political race, the front runner is the candidate who is currently leading in the polls and is considered most likely to win the election.
2. In a sporting event, the front runner is the athlete or team that is in the lead and is expected to win the competition.
3. In a business context, the front runner is the company or product that is currently the most successful or popular in the market.
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