The phrase "was in the running" is spelled as /wɑz ɪn ðə ˈrʌnɪŋ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "was" is spelled with a silent letter "s", while "in" is pronounced with the short "i" sound, represented by /ɪ/. "The" is pronounced as the voiced dental fricative /ðə/. Finally, "running" is spelled with two "n's" and a silent "g", with the short "u" sound represented by /ʌ/. This phrase is commonly used to describe someone who was a contender in a competition or election.
"Was in the running" is an idiomatic expression that means someone or something was considered as a potential contender or participant in a competition, election, or a similar situation. The phrase suggests that the individual or entity had a chance of winning or achieving success.
The term "running" implies the active participation or engagement in a race or competition, where different competitors are vying for a specific goal. When someone or something is "in the running," it denotes their involvement or eligibility to compete against other candidates or entities to attain a desired outcome.
This expression typically signifies that the person or object being referred to had a reasonable chance of achieving success or being selected amongst other contenders. It implies that they were part of the group of individuals or options that were being seriously considered for a particular position, award, or recognition.
The phrase is often used in contexts such as sports competitions, job interviews, talent shows, political campaigns, or any situation involving a selection process or a contest with competing candidates. It implies that an individual or an item was not merely a bystander or observer, but actively participating and considered as a potential winner or successful candidate.