She runs so fast that she leaves everyone in the dust.
leave someone in the dust
idiomTo completely overtake a competitor.
Origin
disputed originOriginally (from 17th c.), to leave in the dust meant to abandon or leave something/someone behind - literally or figuratively on the dirt ground. In modern usage (since late 19th c.), the sense has shifted to one about being overtaken by a competitor, the allusion changing to being left in the airborne dust that has been kicked up by a faster runner, horse, or vehicle.
With their new technology, the company left all of its competitors in the dust.
By consistently innovating while others remained stagnant, the startup eventually left the industry giants in the dust.
- 01
as if someone owns the place
Alternative form of like someone owns the place.
- 02
beat someone round the ears
To beat (a person) with blows about the head.
- 03
beat the dust
To perform curvets too precipitately or too low.
- 04
bite the dust
To die.
- 05
bless someone with
To give or bestow, as a gift from God.
- 06
bring someone to their knees
To defeat and make submit to orders.
- 07
bust the dust
To clean dust off something, such as with a vacuum cleaner.
- 08
call someone every name in the book
To call someone many abusive names.
Last updated April 17, 2026