be in the mix

1. To be actively involved in some activity, pursuit, process, etc. Sarah has been in the mix from the very start, so she knows the details of the project better than anyone. I'd like some time to review for the board meeting, as I haven't been in the mix for the last three weeks. I'm sorry, I can't help you with that—I've never been in the mix for this process.

2. To have the opportunity to succeed or be considered better than others in a group. I can't reveal our judges' process, but I can tell you that your novel is still in the mix for the grand prize. They looked like they were done for after halftime, but with that last touchdown, they are still clearly in the mix to win it. A: "I can't believe that team is still in the mix." B: "I know, they've had just enough wins to possibly squeak into the playoffs as the lowest seed."