Meaning & use
runs the gamut
Last updated
“runs the gamut” is a form of “run the gamut”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
phraseidiom
Covers the full range of something, from one extreme to the other.
Grammar: The phrase is 'run the gamut (of something)'. It is usually used with 'of' followed by a plural or uncountable noun.
Patterns
- run the gamut of something
- run the gamut from something to something
Her emotions ran the gamut from joy to despair in a single day.
The restaurant's menu runs the gamut of Italian cuisine, from simple pasta to elaborate seafood dishes.
The feedback we received ran the gamut: some loved the design, others hated it.
phraseidiom
Includes a wide variety of types or examples within a category.
Grammar: Often used to describe a collection or selection that is very diverse.
Patterns
- run the gamut of something
The museum's collection runs the gamut of modern art movements.
The applicants ran the gamut in terms of experience, from fresh graduates to seasoned professionals.
Common combinations
- run the gamut of emotions
- During the movie, I ran the gamut of emotions, laughing and crying.
- run the gamut from A to B
- The reviews ran the gamut from glowing praise to harsh criticism.
- run the whole gamut
- The festival runs the whole gamut of musical styles, from jazz to electronic.
Synonyms and how they differ
- run the range
- A less common variant with the same meaning; 'run the gamut' is more idiomatic.
- cover the spectrum
- Similar meaning but slightly more formal; often used for colors or opinions.
- span
- A verb meaning to extend across; 'span' is more neutral and can be used for time or space, while 'run the gamut' emphasizes completeness of a range.
Word family
- gamut noun
- The full range or scope of something; the noun from which the idiom comes.
Commonly confused: runs the gamut or run the gauntlet?
runs the gamut vs run the gauntlet
A different idiom meaning to go through a series of criticisms or difficulties. 'Gamut' is about range; 'gauntlet' is about facing attacks.
Practice
Choose the correct completion: 'The reactions to the new policy ran the gamut ____ strong support to fierce opposition.'
Choose one answer.
The idiom is 'run the gamut from X to Y' when showing two extremes. 'Of' is used when naming the whole category (e.g., 'ran the gamut of emotions'), but here the structure 'from ... to ...' requires 'from'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “runs the gamut”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.