A one, two, three, etc. horse race

noun

A competition or election where there is only one clear competitor or candidate likely to win.

With the incumbent president's popularity, the forthcoming election is shaping up to be a one-horse race.
Visual representation of "a one, two, three, etc. horse race" - A competition or election where there is only one clear competitor or candidate likely to win.

Often appears as...

  • a one-horse race
  • election is a one-horse race

Usage tips

Idiomatic

noun

A competition or situation where there are only two likely winning competitors or outcomes.

The championship has become a two-horse race between Liverpool and Manchester City.
Visual representation of "a one, two, three, etc. horse race" - A competition or situation where there are only two likely winning competitors or outcomes.

Often appears as...

  • a two-horse race
  • become a two-horse race

Usage tips

Idiomatic

noun

A situation or competition where there are three prominent competitors or outcomes.

The smartphone market is basically a three-horse race between Apple, Samsung, and Huawei.
Visual representation of "a one, two, three, etc. horse race" - A situation or competition where there are three prominent competitors or outcomes.

Often appears as...

  • a three-horse race
  • become a three-horse race

Usage tips

Idiomatic

noun

A competition or election where there is only one clear competitor or candidate likely to win.

With the incumbent president's popularity, the forthcoming election is shaping up to be a one-horse race.
Visual representation of "a one, two, three, etc. horse race" - A competition or election where there is only one clear competitor or candidate likely to win.

Often appears as...

  • a one-horse race
  • election is a one-horse race

Usage tips

Idiomatic

noun

A competition or situation where there are only two likely winning competitors or outcomes.

The championship has become a two-horse race between Liverpool and Manchester City.
Visual representation of "a one, two, three, etc. horse race" - A competition or situation where there are only two likely winning competitors or outcomes.

Often appears as...

  • a two-horse race
  • become a two-horse race

Usage tips

Idiomatic

noun

A situation or competition where there are three prominent competitors or outcomes.

The smartphone market is basically a three-horse race between Apple, Samsung, and Huawei.
Visual representation of "a one, two, three, etc. horse race" - A situation or competition where there are three prominent competitors or outcomes.

Often appears as...

  • a three-horse race
  • become a three-horse race

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "a one, two, three, etc. horse race"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Implied Inevitability

Expresses that the outcome is almost certain and other competitors have little chance.

Illustration for Implied Inevitability
Given her vast experience, the leadership contest feels like a one-horse race.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Underdog Neglect

Used when the attention is on a strong leader, often ignoring lesser-known competitors.

Illustration for Underdog Neglect
Despite other candidates, the media portrayed the mayoral challenge as a one-horse race.
Visual representation of the word "A one, two, three, etc. horse race"

Never forget "A one, two, three, etc. horse race"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top