PhrasesHub

Run the gamut

    Definitions

      • Cover a wide range or variety
        Refer to a situation, event, or experience that includes a wide spectrum of emotions, opinions, or actions

      • Experience or endure the full extent of something
        Describe going through an entire series or sequence of events, often involving a wide range of emotions or challenges

      • Complete or accomplish something from start to finish
        Describe successfully completing a task or journey, which may involve overcoming various obstacles or facing different challenges along the way

    Examples of Run the gamut

    • The sales presentation ran the gamut from explaining the product's features to demonstrating its benefits.

      The idiom "run the gamut" means to cover a wide range or go through a complete series of things. In this example, the sales presentation covered all aspects of the product, from explaining its features to demonstrating its benefits.

    • The weather in this region runs the gamut from scorching hot summers to freezing cold winters.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe the variety of weather conditions experienced in a particular region.

    • The program offers a wide range of courses, from basic computer skills to advanced programming languages, and runs the gamut in between.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a sequence of things that cover a wide range, from the most basic to the most advanced.

    • The singer's performance ran the gamut from ballads to upbeat pop songs.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe the variety of songs performed by the singer, ranging from slow ballads to upbeat pop songs.

    • The exhibition showcased a diverse collection of art, running the gamut from traditional paintings to modern installations.

      This example illustrates how the idiom can be used to describe a range of different types of art, from traditional paintings to modern installations.


    Conclusion

    In summary, the idiom "run the gamut" can be used to describe a wide range or variety of things, experiencing or enduring the full extent of something, and completing or accomplishing something from start to finish. It can also convey the idea of going through a series of events or emotions, facing different challenges, and ultimately achieving success.

    Origin of "Run the gamut"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where "gamut" referred to a musical scale or series of musical notes. The term was derived from the Latin word "gamma ut," which referred to the first two notes of the scale (gamma and ut). Over time, the word "gamut" came to be used more broadly to refer to a complete range or spectrum of things.

    The phrase "run the gamut" was first recorded in the early 18th century and was originally used in a musical context. However, it gradually evolved to encompass a wider range of meanings and is now commonly used in everyday language. The idiom may also have connections to the game of chess, where "gamut" referred to a series of opening moves. Regardless of its exact origins, the idiom "run the gamut" has stood the test of time and continues to be used in various contexts to this day.