Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence. We now have an ex-Ministerin the runningfrom our constituency for the post of Member of Parliament.
contesting the seat
Understanding the Idiom "In the Running"
The question asks for the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom "in the running" in the sentence: "We now have an ex-Minister in the running from our constituency for the post of Member of Parliament."
Idioms are phrases or expressions that have a figurative meaning different from the literal meaning of their individual words. The idiom "in the running" is commonly used in contexts involving competitions, races, elections, or any situation where people or things are competing for a prize, position, or goal.
Meaning of "In the Running"
The idiom "in the running" means:
- Having a chance of winning or succeeding in a competition, election, or contest.
- Being a candidate who is actively competing.
- Being considered as a potential winner or successful candidate.
When someone is described as being "in the running" for something, it means they are not just participating, but are considered to be a serious contender with a realistic possibility of achieving the desired outcome.
Applying the Idiom to the Sentence
In the given sentence, an ex-Minister is described as being "in the running" for the post of Member of Parliament from a specific constituency. This means the ex-Minister is a candidate in the election for that parliamentary seat and is considered to have a chance of winning it.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the provided options and see which one best fits the meaning of "in the running" in this context:
- jogging everyday: This refers to a physical activity (running) and has no connection to competing for a political position.
- teaching yoga: This is an unrelated activity and does not reflect the concept of competing in an election.
- giving speeches: Giving speeches is a common activity during an election campaign, but the idiom "in the running" specifically refers to being a candidate with a chance to win, not just performing campaign tasks. While related to campaigning, it's not the core meaning of the idiom itself.
- contesting the seat: To "contest a seat" in an election means to be a candidate competing for that specific parliamentary position. This aligns perfectly with the meaning of "in the running" – being a participant in the electoral race with a chance of success.
Therefore, the most appropriate meaning of "in the running" in this sentence is "contesting the seat".
Final Answer Explanation
The idiom "in the running" signifies active participation in a contest or election with the potential to win. In the context of politics, an ex-Minister "in the running" for a parliamentary seat is actively campaigning as a candidate, competing against others to win the election and represent the constituency. This is precisely what "contesting the seat" means.
| Idiom | Context | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| In the running | Political Election | Actively competing as a candidate with a chance to win. |
Revision Table: Key Concepts
| Term | Definition/Meaning |
|---|---|
| Idiom | A phrase whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of its words. |
| In the running | Having a chance to win in a competition or contest. |
| Constituency | An area whose voters elect a representative to a legislative body. |
| Member of Parliament (MP) | An elected representative in a parliamentary government. |
| Contesting a seat | Being a candidate and competing in an election for a specific position or area. |
Additional Information: Idioms in Context
Understanding idioms is crucial for comprehending native English conversations and texts. Many idioms are related to common activities like sports, racing, or everyday life, but their figurative meanings are often quite different. For example, while "running" literally means moving quickly on foot, "in the running" figuratively means being a competitor with a chance.
Another related idiom is "neck and neck," which means two competitors are very close in a race or contest. Understanding the context, such as an election for a Member of Parliament, helps determine the specific application of the idiom's general meaning.
Learning idioms involves recognizing them and understanding their conventional figurative meaning through exposure and practice.
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