Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

run someone a close second

idiom

/rʌn ˈsʌmwʌn ə kloʊs ˈsɛkənd/

Definition

To come very close to someone in a competition, but ultimately not win.

Examples

In the race for the best-selling novel, her book ran someone a close second to the reigning champion.
He didn’t win the chess tournament, but he ran his opponent a close second.
When it comes to customer service, our company often runs a close second to the industry leader.

Meaning

This phrase is often used to describe a situation where one competitor is very nearly as good or successful as another, indicating a fierce level of competition.