By a landslide ⛰️🚶

Meaning

To win something, especially an election or competition, by a very large margin.

Origin

The phrase hails from the world of American politics in the 19th century, specifically from early election reporting. When a candidate won so overwhelmingly that it seemed like the voters themselves had slid into their camp like a landslide, the colorful metaphor was born. Imagine the ballot boxes, perhaps crudely made, where votes might have been cast by dropping them in. If one candidate received a deluge of votes, it painted a vivid picture of a natural disaster burying the opposition. This potent image of overwhelming force and near-inevitable victory stuck, becoming a go-to descriptor for any decisive win.

By a landslide represented with emoji⛰️🚶

This playful arrangement functions as a charming visual riddle, teaching the viewer to consider how a solitary trek up a mighty peak can signify a triumphant, overwhelming victory. It invites a dialogue on the power of landscape to metaphorically manifest our greatest achievements.

Examples

  • The incumbent mayor won by a landslide in the recent election.
  • Our team was so much better than the other one, we won the championship by a landslide.
  • The fairy queen was elected to her throne by a landslide, mostly because she promised more glitter for everyone.
  • The gingerbread man, despite his short legs, won the village race by a landslide, leaving the carrot runner in the dust.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'by a landslide' a literal description of how votes were cast?

No, 'by a landslide' is a metaphor and not a literal description of any voting process. The phrase evokes the image of a natural disaster overwhelming everything in its path, comparing an overwhelming election victory to the unstoppable force of a landslide.

What is the opposite of winning 'by a landslide'?

The opposite of winning 'by a landslide' is losing by a landslide, or a very close, hard-fought contest where the winner barely edges out the loser. A near tie or a razor-thin victory would be antonymous to an overwhelming win.

Did 'by a landslide' originate in Britain or America?

The phrase 'by a landslide' originated in American politics. It emerged in the 19th century as a colorful way for reporters to describe exceptionally decisive election victories.

Can 'by a landslide' be used for non-election wins?

Yes, 'by a landslide' can be used for any competition or contest that is won by a very large margin, not just elections. For example, a sports team could win a game by a landslide, or a student could win a popularity contest by a landslide.