What Does “Edge sth out” Mean?
“Edge sth out” means to gradually push someone or something out of a position, competition, or place by a small margin or effort.
Introduction
The phrase “edge sth out” is a common English phrasal verb used to describe situations where someone or something gains a slight advantage over another, often leading to the latter losing their place or position. This can happen in competitions, business, or everyday interactions. Understanding the “Edge sth out meaning” helps learners use this phrase correctly in both spoken and written English. It often implies a subtle or gradual action rather than a sudden change. Knowing how to use this expression can make your English sound more natural and precise when describing close contests or rivalries.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: edge something out
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to gradually push someone or something out of a position by a small margin
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Edge sth out” is a separable phrasal verb, which means you can place the object between the verb and the particle or after the particle.
- Subject + edge + object + out
- Subject + edge + out + object
Example patterns:
- They edged the competitors out.
- They edged out the competitors.
How to Use “Edge sth out”?
You use “edge sth out” when describing a situation where someone or something narrowly wins or replaces another. It often applies to sports, business, or any competitive scenario. The phrase adds a sense of gradual or slight advantage rather than a clear or overwhelming victory.
Examples
In a close race, the athlete managed to edge out his opponent by just a few seconds.
- The company edged out its rivals to become the market leader.
- She edged out the other candidates to get the promotion.
- Our team edged out the competition in the final minutes of the game.
- They managed to edge out the old system with a new, more efficient process.
Here is “Edge sth out in a sentence”: The startup edged out the established firms by offering better customer service.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse “edge sth out” with simply “push out” or “win.” It’s important to remember that “edge out” implies a narrow or gradual advantage.
- Incorrect: They edged out the competition quickly and easily.
- Correct: They edged out the competition by a small margin.
- Incorrect: She edged out the position suddenly.
- Correct: She edged out the position after a long struggle.
Differences / Synonyms
“Edge sth out” is similar to “push out” or “outperform,” but it specifically suggests a small or gradual advantage. Unlike “push out,” which can imply force or abrupt removal, “edge out” is more subtle.
- Push out: to forcefully remove someone or something.
- Outperform: to do better than someone in performance.
- Edge out: to gain a slight advantage leading to success or replacement.
Example: The team edged out their rivals, while the other team pushed out the old players.
Common Collocations
“Edge sth out” often pairs with words related to competition, positions, and markets. Here are common collocations:
- Edge someone out – to push a person out of a position.
- Edge competitors out – to narrowly beat competitors.
- Edge rivals out – to gain the advantage over rivals.
- Edge market out – to take over a market slowly.
- Edge opponent out – to narrowly defeat an opponent.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of edge sth out:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “edge sth out”:
Anna: Did you hear about the new store opening downtown?
Ben: Yes, they managed to edge out the older shops by offering better prices.
Anna: That’s smart. It’s tough to compete with established businesses.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- a) Our team edged the rivals out by a large margin.
- b) Our team edged out the rivals by a small margin.
- c) Our team edged out the rivals suddenly.
Answer: b) Our team edged out the rivals by a small margin.
FAQs
- Q: Can “edge sth out” be used in non-competitive situations?
A: Yes, it can describe gradually replacing or pushing something out in various contexts.
- Q: Is “edge out” formal or informal?
A: It is mostly neutral and suitable for both spoken and written English.
- Q: Can I say “edge out someone” or “edge someone out”?
A: Both forms are correct because it is a separable phrasal verb.
- Q: Does “edge out” mean the same as “beat”?
A: Not exactly; “edge out” implies a narrow or gradual victory, while “beat” is more general.
- Q: What is the difference between “edge out” and “push out”?
“Edge out” is subtle and gradual, while “push out” suggests forceful removal.
