outdrawn

A cowboy outdrawn in a duel lowers his pistol.

Definition

1. Verb (past participle of outdraw):
   • To draw a weapon faster than another person: "outdrawn" describes having successfully pulled a firearm from its holster more quickly than an opponent, especially in a duel or competitive shooting context.
   • To surpass in attractiveness or appeal: "outdrawn" can also mean having drawn more attention, interest, or admiration than someone or something else.

Usage Examples

• To draw a weapon faster:

  • In the Old West, many gunslingers claimed to have outdrawn their rivals. (They drew their guns faster than their opponents.)
  • He was outdrawn by the sheriff, who fired first. (The sheriff pulled his weapon more quickly.)

• To surpass in appeal:

  • The lead actress outdrawn all other performers in the film, earning the most critical praise. (She attracted more favorable attention.)
  • The novel outdrawn its competitors in sales due to its gripping plot. (It surpassed other books in market appeal.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have outdrawn someone": to have successfully drawn a weapon faster than another person in a confrontation.

  • The outlaw had outdrawn three lawmen before being captured. (He drew his gun quicker than each of the three officers.)

• "to be outdrawn": to be surpassed in the ability to attract or captivate.

  • The veteran actor was outdrawn by the young newcomer at the awards ceremony. (The newcomer received more attention and acclaim.)

Variants and Related Words

• Outdraw (verb, base form): to draw a weapon faster than another; to surpass in drawing power or appeal.

  • She can outdraw anyone in the shooting competition. (She is faster at pulling her gun.)

• Outdrew (verb, past tense): the simple past form of "outdraw".

  • He outdrew his opponent in the duel. (He drew his gun faster.)

Synonyms

• Outshoot: to shoot better or faster than another (often used in shooting contexts).
• Outperform: to perform better than another (used for general surpassing).
• Outshine: to be more brilliant or attractive than another (used for appeal).

Related Idioms

• Quick on the draw: being able to draw a weapon very quickly; also used metaphorically to mean being quick to respond or act.

  • He was quick on the draw, which is why he outdrawn his opponent. (He was fast at pulling his gun.)

• Draw a bead on: to aim at something or someone, often in a competitive or confrontational sense.

  • After being outdrawn, the cowboy drew a bead on his rival. (He aimed carefully at his opponent.)