run the gamut: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘run the gamut’ mean?
The idiom "run the gamut" means to cover a wide range or variety of things. It implies going from one extreme to another, encompassing everything in between.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "run through" means to quickly review or discuss something, often in a casual or brief manner. It can also refer to the act of rehearsing or practicing something, such as a performance or a speech.
The idiom "run the show" means to be in charge or in control of a situation or event.
The idiom "run the rule over" means to examine or evaluate something or someone in a thorough and critical manner.
The idiom "run the gauntlet" means to go through a difficult or dangerous experience where there are multiple challenges or obstacles to overcome.
Running the gauntlet is an idiom that originates from a form of military punishment. In this type of punishment, an individual would have to run between two rows of soldiers who would strike them with various weapons. It was a harsh disciplinary measure used to maintain order within the military.
The idiom "run someone ragged" means to exhaust or wear someone out completely.
The idiom "run past" means to quickly mention or discuss something without going into detail or providing much information.
The idiom "run out" means to exhaust the supply of something or to reach the end of a limited resource. It implies that there is no more of that specific thing available.
Run out is an idiom that means to exhaust or deplete the supply of something. It is commonly used to describe a situation where there is no more of a particular item or resource left.
The idiom "run of play" refers to the general flow or direction of a game or activity. It suggests that events are unfolding in a natural or expected manner, without any significant changes or interruptions.
The idiom "runners and riders" refers to the list of participants in a race or competition, particularly in horse racing. It symbolizes the range of options or contenders and is commonly used to discuss the potential outcomes of an event.
FAIL
run the gauntlet is another idiomatic phrase that is related to "run the gamut." While "run the gauntlet" and "run the gamut" may sound similar, their meanings are quite different. "Run the gauntlet" refers to a challenging or risky experience that one must endure or navigate through. The phrase originates from a punishment used in medieval times where a person would be forced to run between two rows of people who would strike them as they passed. The phrase has since evolved to represent any difficult or perilous situation that one must go through.
When someone says that they "run the risk" of something, they are acknowledging the possibility of experiencing negative consequences or encountering danger. This phrase often implies that the person is aware of the potential risks but chooses to proceed anyway. In a way, "run the risk" is similar to "run the gamut" in the sense that both phrases involve traversing a range of possibilities, but "run the risk" specifically highlights the element of potential danger or negative outcomes.
Another related idiom is "run about," which means to move or travel quickly or energetically from one place to another. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is busy or on the move, going from one task or place to another with little rest or pause. While "run about" doesn't directly involve encompassing a wide range like "run the gamut" does, it can relate to the idea of covering a lot of ground or being involved in many different activities.
"go all the way" is a phrase that is often used to indicate full commitment or dedication to something. It implies that there are no limitations or halfway measures involved. "Going all the way" means giving one's full effort, energy, and resources to achieve a goal or complete a task. While this phrase doesn't directly relate to the idea of a wide range like "run the gamut" does, it can convey a similar sense of completeness or encompassing the entire spectrum of possibilities within a particular context.
Lastly, the idiom "from soup to nuts" is similar to "run the gamut" in that it conveys the notion of encompassing a wide range or covering all aspects of something. "From soup to nuts" originated from the practice of serving a multi-course meal that begins with soup and ends with nuts as a dessert. The phrase has since evolved to represent an all-encompassing or comprehensive approach to a particular topic or task. Just like "run the gamut," "from soup to nuts" implies that everything from start to finish is covered or included.
"run the gamut" is an idiomatic phrase that conveys the idea of encompassing or covering a wide range of something. It originated from the musical term "gamut," which represented the entire range of musical notes within a scale. This figurative meaning has since evolved to encompass a variety of contexts, from emotions to options and possibilities. "Run the gamut" invites us to consider the depth and complexity of human experiences and acknowledge the vast spectrum of possibilities that shape our lives. It is related to other idioms such as "run the gauntlet," "run a risk," "run about," "go all the way," and "from soup to nuts," each with its own distinct meaning and usage.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "run the gamut" can be used in a sentence:
- She ran the gamut of emotions, going from laughter to tears in a matter of minutes.
- The restaurant's menu runs the gamut from traditional Italian dishes to experimental fusion cuisine.
- The conference covered a wide range of topics, running the gamut from technology trends to ethical considerations in business.
More "Variety" idioms
