# be left at the post

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/be-left-at-the-post
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be beaten from the beginning of a competition or race.

## Examples

- Our team was left at the post in the first race.
- Because they failed to prepare for the new market, the company was left at the post by its competitors.
- Despite their ambitious marketing campaign, the startup was left at the post by established firms that had already secured the majority of the market share.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.