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i could have been a contender

Something said when would you or someone could have been good at something--good enough to be a professional and compete with others.

Etymology:

  • One of the most quoted films of all time. Marlon Brando's character, Terry Malloy's famous line from the 1954 movie "On the Waterfront."
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If your coach benches you from the game unjustly, you might say to him, "I could have been a contender."

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Submitted by TriplePurple on December 15, 2023

Modified by TriplePurple on August 25, 2024

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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to i could have been a contender

have your wrist slappedI have cancerI have diabeteshow much wood would a woodchuck chuck i…have wordsI couldn't have said it better myselfI have a temperaturehow the mighty have fallenI have a coldHave Your Cake and Eat It TooI have asthmaI have a feveri have many bridges to sell you.Have Your Heart in Your Mouth

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    "i could have been a contender." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 21 Feb. 2025. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/i-could-have-been-a-contender_64077>.

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