Phrasal verb
edge out
Definition
phrasal verb. to beat someone in a competition by a very small amount. You can also use it when one thing slowly replaces another or pushes it out of a position.
phrasal verb. to defeat a competitor by a narrow margin or to displace someone or something from a position through gradual pressure. This transitive verb typically takes a direct object representing the entity being defeated or replaced.
Examples
“Our team managed to edge out the rivals in the final minute.”
“The local bakery was eventually edged out of the market by the large supermarket chain that opened nearby.”
“Despite a late surge in the polls, the incumbent was edged out by the challenger, who secured victory by fewer than five hundred votes.”
Examples
simple
“Our team managed to edge out the rivals in the final minute.”
contextual
“The local bakery was eventually edged out of the market by the large supermarket chain that opened nearby.”
complex
“Despite a late surge in the polls, the incumbent was edged out by the challenger, who secured victory by fewer than five hundred votes.”
Usage
Often used in sports, politics, or business to describe a close victory or a slow displacement.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'defeat' or 'replace' to highlight the specific nuance of a 'narrow margin' or a 'gradual process'.
Pitfall
They edged out from the competition.
They edged out the competition.
'Edge out' is transitive and requires a direct object; it does not take the preposition 'from' when meaning to defeat.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
edge + out + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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