also known as
Known by another name or description. Often abbreviated "AKA" or "a.k.a." both in speech and in writing. The Affordable Care Act, also known as "Obamacare," came into effect in 2014. Veterans Stadium, also known as "the Vet," was home to the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies before being demolished in 2004. The drug Zoloft is also known as "sertraline," its generic name.
also-ran
Someone who is unimportant or unsuccessful. The phrase originated in horse racing. That guy is definitely an also-ran—his best days in the league are far behind him. She used to be governor, but, these days, she's an also-ran in the political sphere. Ugh, I don't want an also-ran like him on my fantasy team!
not only (something), but (also) (something else)
Being, doing, or having one thing as well as something else. She not only speaks five languages, but she is an extraordinary pianist as well. The city is not only very cool and trendy, but also surprisingly affordable.
right on (one's) heels
1. Very close to overtaking a fellow competitor. The incumbent senator is ahead in the polls, but the underdog vying for his seat is right on his heels. She has a good chance of being valedictorian, but there are several students right on her heels.
2. Very close to apprehending one. Police are right on the perpetrators' heels. I've been very careful to disguise my actions, but it seems like federal investigators are always following right on my heels.
right on (one's) tail
1. Very close to apprehending one. Police are right on the perpetrators' tail. I've been very careful to disguise my actions, but it seems like federal investigators are always following right on my tail.
2. Very close to overtaking a fellow competitor. The incumbent senator is ahead in the polls, but the underdog vying for his seat is right on his tail. She has a good chance of being valedictorian, but there are several students right on her tail.
see also
Used to refer a reader to another work that is related to the topic being discussed. Watkin's interpretation of this scene from Hamlet clearly supports the theory. See also the analysis by J. R. Prewitt on the matter.
they also serve who (only) stand and wait
proverb It is sometimes as important, praiseworthy, or purposeful to be patient, idle, or inactive as to be at the forefront of some activity. I dedicate this song to anyone who has a family member or loved one serving in the military, for they also serve who only stand and wait. I know you may feel like you're unimportant when you're on the sidelines during the game, but we rely on you just as much as those who start on the field from the very first whistle. Remember that they also serve who only stand and wait.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
also-ran
someone of no significance. (From horse racing, used of a horse that finishes a race but that does not finish among the money winners.) Oh, he's just another also-ran. Ignore the also-rans.
They also serve who only stand and wait.
Prov. Sometimes you must be patient and do nothing, even though you would like to be actively helping. (From John Milton's poem, "On His Blindness.") Jill: Can I help? Jane: No, we've got enough people helping. Jill: But I want to help. Jane: They also serve who only stand and wait.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
also-ran
Loser, failure, unsuccessful individual, as in Jane feared that her candidate, a terrible speaker, would end up as an also-ran, or As for getting promotions, Mark counted himself among the also-rans. This term comes from racing, where it describes a horse that finishes in fourth place or lower or does not finish a race at all. It first appeared in the 1890s in published racing results, and has since been transferred to losers in any kind of competition, and also more broadly to persons who simply don't do well.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.