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Region: General | Usage example: The conference ran the gamut from marketing to engineering.

Run the gamut

Meaning

Cover a full range of choices or opinions.

Usage

Used when describing broad coverage.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Originally described a full musical scale.

Adopted into English idioms in the 18th century.

Related Idioms

Make ends meet

Have enough money or resources to cover necessities.

Whitewash

Cover up wrongdoing or failures.

When push comes to shove

When a situation becomes critical and tough choices are needed.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.