Why "also-ran" means a person who is not successful?
sometimes I am confused.
2006-10-26 14:13:29 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
I've always assumed that it meant:
In a horse race, there's a winning horse, second and third place horses (who pay off if you bet on them to "place" or "show," respectively), and then there are the rest of the horses in the race.
They "also ran," but it didn't make any difference.
To make a noun of that phrase, these horses are "also-rans."
And so anyone who didn't affect the outcome of an activity is termed an "also-ran."
2006-10-26 14:18:29 · answer #1 · answered by actuator 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For some people winning is everything and there can be only one winner. Such people are fanatics of a sort. For most people, coming in second or third or even twentieth in a race or competition makes them not an "also-ran" if they achieved to the best of their ability. They too are successful. This relates to a difference in outlook or psychology. Some people just feel that if they don't "win" then they have "lost."
2006-10-26 14:19:54 · answer #2 · answered by Seeker 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its a reference to politics. Andrew Jackson was President of the United States, Henry Clay ran for President (several times) but never succeeded. He was therefore and "also-ran" Henry Clay failed to accomplish his goals because someone else was better than him (though that specific example is up for debate)
Current also rans would be John Kerry, Al Gore, Bob Dole
2006-10-26 14:16:32 · answer #3 · answered by DonSoze 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In general, a successful person is one who is happy with his or her life. If one is happy with their job and lifestyle, this is a measure of success. However, I think most people in America have been trained that success is only measured with material possessions and wealth. Spiritually speaking, if one feels inner peace, contentment, and feels that he or she is an asset to humanity, then he or she is successful no matter his or her faith or religion. I'm quite happy and content as a Deist, and I do my best to be an asset to humanity by focusing on the here and now.
2016-03-28 08:45:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has to do with horse racing, Traditionally, the names of the first three horses would be given in order and the rest of the field were refereed to as also rans.
2006-10-26 14:16:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think of a race with ten runners. Someone takes first, someone else is second, and third. After that, no one is usually interested in the other runners except maybe their mothers. They are the "also ran" runners.
In normal usage, it's someone who participated in an event, but didn't win, or even come close.
2006-10-26 14:20:31 · answer #6 · answered by DavidNH 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In a race, physical or politcal or human, the winner gets the press and the glory. The rest are "also ran".
2006-10-26 14:16:56 · answer #7 · answered by Rick C 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
only the winner counts.. everyone else is an "also ran" does that help?
2006-10-26 14:15:20 · answer #8 · answered by hharry_m_uk 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
horse racing...win,place,show...all others also ran.
2006-10-26 14:15:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Me too, let me know.
2006-10-26 14:14:51 · answer #10 · answered by mksjmyd 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋