run (someone or something) close

run (someone or something) close

To nearly match or surpass someone or something in one's performance, skill, or ability. While he is still the undisputed master of filmmaking in my opinion, there are a few directors who run him close. She finished first to retain her championship title, but the favored newcomer ran her very close—just half a second behind her.

See also: close, run

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

run someone close

1 almost defeat a person or team in a contest. 2 almost match the same standards or level of achievement as someone else.

See also: close, run, someone

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

run somebody/something ˈclose

(British English) be nearly as good, fast, successful, etc. as somebody/something else: Germany ran Argentina very close in the final.

See also: close, run, somebody, something

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017