run somebody/something close

run (someone or something) close

To nearly match or surpass someone or something in one's performance, skill, or ability. While he is still the undisputed master of filmmaking in my opinion, there are a few directors who run him close. She finished first to retain her championship title, but the favored newcomer ran her very close—just half a second behind her.
See also: close, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

run somebody/something ˈclose

(British English) be nearly as good, fast, successful, etc. as somebody/something else: Germany ran Argentina very close in the final.
See also: close, run, somebody, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • run (someone or something) close
  • run someone close
  • prime
  • cut (one) down in (one's) prime
  • cut (one) off in (one's) prime
  • cut someone off in their prime
  • fall short of the record
  • exceed
  • exceed (someone or something) by (something)
  • exceed by