Dictionary

leave someone in the dust en · VERB

Etymology

Originally (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.

Meanings

1. (idiomatic, informal) To completely overtake a competitor.
   • Also, a few good, active, progressive teachers in one school will set all the others to thinking. By selecting the most alert in each school, a little leaven will leaven the whole lump. The fear of being left in the dust of the procession is a spur if wisely directed. 1894, National Educational Association (U.S.), Journal of Proceedings and Addresses:
   • With that we parted. Presently after my friend overtook and passed me on a hired steed which seemed to scorn its cavalier; and I was left in the dust of his passage, a prey to whirling thoughts. 1892, Robert Louis Stevenson, The Wrecker:
   • The company has currently no plans to switch away from the old designs, so they could very easily be left in the dust.
2. (dated) To abandon; to leave behind.
   • It was conformable to the eternal juſtice of his Father to exalt him that had humbled himſelf ſo much; Lowlineſs ſhall not always be left in the duſt to be deſpiſed. 1675, Bishop John Hacket, A Century of Sermons Upon Several Remarkable Subjects:
   • The soul knows itself to be more noble than the corruptible body, which it is now to leave in the dust; 1671, Rev. John Flavel, The Fountian of Life; or, A Display of Christ in His Essential and Mediatorial Glory:
   • But conſider, Chriſt is long-liv'd, and therefore your Glory ſhall not be left in the Duſt, nor God's holy Ones left to Corruption and Rottenneſs. 1703, Thomas Manton, A Practical Exposition on the Whole Fifty Third Chapter of Isaiah:
   • In like manner, our great Henry, was not he forſaken? Left in the duſt of disfauour, and neglected all the time of his childhood? 1619, Thomas Milles, ΑΡΧΑΙΟ-ΠΛΟΥΤΟΣ. Containing, Ten following Bookes to the former Treasurie of Auncient and Moderne Times:

Forms

Relateds

leave something in your wake · leave someone holding the bag · eat someone's dust

Synonyms

leave for dust