The spelling of the phrase "was in running" can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Was" is pronounced /wʌz/, with the "a" sounding like the "u" in "up". "In" is pronounced /ɪn/, with the "i" sounding like the "i" in "pin". "Running" is pronounced /ˈrʌnɪŋ/, with the "u" sound at the beginning sounding like the "u" in "up". Spelling words using IPA helps to accurately represent the sounds of speech.
"Was in running" is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone or something that was considered as a potential winner or contender in a competition, race, or contest. The phrase is commonly used in sports, politics, or any situation involving a competitive environment where participants are vying for a title, position, or victory.
The term "in running" refers to the period during a competition when particular individuals or teams are still actively competing and have a chance of achieving success. Therefore, when someone or something "was in running," it means that they were a serious competitor or had a reasonable chance of winning at a specific point in time.
The phrase can also be used to describe objects or entities that were considered as potential options or choices among a group. For instance, if several candidates were being evaluated for a job position, one could say that a particular candidate "was in running" if their credentials, skills, or qualifications made them a viable and competitive choice.
Overall, the expression "was in running" signifies a state of being actively involved as a contender or considered among options with a genuine chance of success, typically in a competitive scenario.