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Meaning of "in dash" in a story headline

English Language & Usage Asked on July 23, 2021

This is the headline: US President Biden discovers limits to his power in dash to erase Trump’s legacy

What is the meaning of "in dash" here?

Something that is readily available, like in a dashboard?

Just short for "in a dash" i.e. "quickly"?

Something else?

The story: https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2021/01/31/US-President-Biden-discovers-limits-to-his-power-in-dash-to-erase-Trump-s-legacy

2 Answers

Upgrading my comment to an answer as requested. No supporting references I'm afraid.

Words are often omitted in headline writing and in this case 'his' or possibly 'the' has been omitted between 'in' and 'dash'. The full version would be "...limits to his power in his dash to erase...". "Dash" here is a close synonym for "hurry" or "rush". Does that make it clearer? 

Correct answer by BoldBen on July 23, 2021

It's a nightmare of headline-ese.

"US President Biden discovers limits to his power in dash to erase Trump's legacy" is appallingly difficult to parse.

It means:

"US President Biden discovers (some) limits to his power in (his) dash to erase Trump's legacy."

In this context, "dash" means "actions made in haste"

Answered by Prime Mover on July 23, 2021

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