front-runner

front runner

The person or thing most likely to be awarded something. I hear that movie is the front runner for the Best Picture Oscar. Amanda's the front runner for the position—she's overqualified, honestly, and has a great attitude.
See also: front, runner
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

front-runner

the person or thing thought most likely to win or succeed. The press found out some juicy secrets about the front-runner and made them all public. Who is the front-runner in the race to be governor?
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • front runner
  • see beyond
  • see beyond (someone or something)
  • in front
  • out front
  • front office
  • the front office
  • can't see (one's) hand in front of (one's) face
  • can't see hand in front of face
  • in front of (one's) very eyes
References in periodicals archive
Georgiev is now one of the front-runners in the male pageant after he won Best in Swimwear during preliminaries held in Dipolog City.
Bulgarian hunk thrilled at Captain America label by Pinoy fans
One of the things front-runners like to do is avoid talking to the press.
Feeling Berned
While Gehlot is being seen as the front-runner for the chief ministership, supporters of Sachin Pilot allegedly indulged in violence and arson at some places in Rajasthan, apparently unhappy that their leader may not make it.
Rajasthan CM likely to be annoounced shortly
The source said: "There are around six to eight interested parties and he is the front-runner. Arif and his family are serious contenders."
Kazakhstani businessman 'front-runner' to buy Aston Villa football club: report
People immediately feared for the explosive front-runners like Razldazl Jayfkay and Eden Star.
things we 5 learned from the weekend
The military officials behind last week's coup claim that the front-runner, Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Jr., had signed an agreement allowing troops from Angola to attack forces in Guinea-Bissau.
Guinea-Bissau junta gives 2-year timeframe
Synopsis: Although strong early front-runners usually win GOP nomination contests, the competitive nature of the 2012 campaign -- with four leaders and seven switches in the lead, to date -- is similar to 2003 when five Democratic candidates for their party's 2004 nomination traded the lead nine times.
GOP 2012 Battle to Date Most Akin to Dems in 2003; Four Republican front-runners in 2011 compares with five Democrats in 2003
"He's a bold front-runner and he's always looked as though a step up in trip might suit him and the track should suit him.
Maguire looks forward to riding Overturn
Mr Perry's plan also sets him to the right of presumed front-runner former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, who wants to make less sweeping changes to tax rates.
Presidential hopeful Perry gets serious; WORLDBULLETINS
An industry source told the Post that Chery remained the front-runner, but it was also possible that rival firm Geely could emerge as a rival.
JLR 'seeking partner' for Eastern venture
ED Miliband was last night tipped to be a front-runner in the chase to be new Labour leader.
PUT YOUR CASH ON ED MILIBAND FOR TOP JOB
Summary: Iraq war drama "The Hurt Locker" enhanced its status as front-runner for next month's Oscars here Saturday after scooping a top prize at the Writers Guild of America (WGA)
Iraq war film wins pre-Oscar indicator
But West, whose side head to Corby Town in Saturday's British Gas Business Premier fixture, has signed front-runner Troy Wood on a month's loan from Worcester City.
Steve's injury agony; NON-LEAGUE
"She is certainly the front-runner and odds on favourite now," O'Neil said.
'Race' for Golden Globes
Because no front-runner has secured more than about half of the needed delegates, there's still room for plenty of twists and turns on the campaign trail.
The long march; No decisive choices on campaign trail