Front runner
Meaning
The leading candidate or competitor in a race, competition, or election, who is most likely to win.
Origin
The vivid image of a "front runner" sprints from the world of competitive racing, particularly horse racing, where the horse (or runner) leading the pack from the outset holds a significant advantage and is expected to win. As early as the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this literal description of a leading competitor began to gallop into the broader lexicon. It quickly found a natural home in the high-stakes arena of politics and other competitive fields, where being the "front runner" denotes the candidate or contestant with the strongest momentum and highest probability of victory, much like the horse that breaks ahead and stays there.
Examples
- Despite a late surge from his opponent, the incumbent senator remained the clear front runner throughout the final week of the campaign.
- The young mare quickly established herself as the front runner in the derby, maintaining a strong lead for the entire race.