Run rings around/round somebody
phrase
To be much better than someone, especially in a competitive situation.
John's skills in chess are phenomenal, he can run rings around any player in the club.
Often appears as...
- can run rings around
- they run rings around
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To move in circles around someone rapidly, literally or figuratively.
In the soccer match, the midfielder was so skillful he was running rings around the opposing team.
Often appears as...
- running rings around
- run rings around them
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be much better than someone, especially in a competitive situation.
John's skills in chess are phenomenal, he can run rings around any player in the club.
Often appears as...
- can run rings around
- they run rings around
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To move in circles around someone rapidly, literally or figuratively.
In the soccer match, the midfielder was so skillful he was running rings around the opposing team.
Often appears as...
- running rings around
- run rings around them
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Competitive Edge
Used to emphasize someone's significant advantage in skills or ability in a competitive setting.
She runs rings around her peers in mathematics.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
The phrase is figurative and not to be taken as someone physically running in circles.
During the debate, it was clear he could run rings around his opponent.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Usage
Common in casual conversations, less so in formal contexts.
In the kitchen, she can easily run rings around me.
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