come a poor second
come a poor second
To finish a race or competition well behind the winner. Primarily heard in UK. I didn't expect to come a poor second in the race—who knew Kate was so fast?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
be/come a poor second, third, etc.
(especially British English) finish a long way behind the winner in a race, competition, etc: The Socialists won the election easily with 40% of the vote, with the Democrats coming a poor second with only 26%.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017