Run rings around
Meaning
To easily outperform or be significantly superior to someone or something.
Origin
The vivid image behind 'run rings around' is drawn directly from competitive sports, particularly track and field or equestrianism. Picture a supremely agile runner or horseman effortlessly circling a slower, less capable opponent within a confined space—literally running in 'rings' around them. This powerful visual metaphor for absolute dominance and effortless superiority gained traction in early 20th-century Britain, quickly becoming a popular shorthand to describe a person or team so overwhelmingly better that they can toy with their competition.
Examples
- The young prodigy could run rings around experienced chess players, winning tournaments with ease.
- Despite the other team's impressive roster, our agile forwards managed to run rings around their defense all game.