Run rings around

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Meaning

To outdo or outpace easily, circling.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to races; 'rings' meant laps, slang by 1870s for outdo. A 1878 'Times' uses it for a swift lad.

Variants

  • Rings around
  • Run rings

Usage Examples

  • She runs rings around him in debate.
  • He ran rings around the slow team.
  • Run rings around; beat them easy!

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