The phrase "ran circles" means to move around in a circular motion or to outperform someone. It is a common expression used in sports and other competitive contexts. There are a few synonyms of "ran circles" that can be used to describe this behavior more precisely. For example, "outshined" can be used to describe someone who outperforms others. "Outmaneuvered" can be used to refer to someone who outsmarted their opponent in a specific situation. "Surpassed" can be used to describe someone who has beaten or achieved more than their competition. These synonyms can help to add variety to language and make it more engaging.