Running Idioms: Mastering Figurative Language in Motion

Idioms are a vital part of the English language, adding color and depth to our communication. Understanding idioms, especially those related to specific themes like running, enhances comprehension and fluency.

This article explores a wide range of idioms associated with running, providing definitions, examples, and practical exercises. Whether you’re an English language learner or a native speaker looking to enrich your vocabulary, this guide will help you grasp the nuances of running idioms and use them effectively.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of Running Idioms
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Types and Categories of Running Idioms
5. Examples of Running Idioms
   • Idioms Related to Speed
   • Idioms Related to Effort and Difficulty
   • Idioms Related to Progress and Success
   • Idioms Related to Obstacles
   • Idioms Related to Competition
6. Usage Rules for Running Idioms
7. Common Mistakes with Running Idioms
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Conclusion

Definition of Running Idioms

Running idioms are phrases or expressions that use the concept of running in a figurative, non-literal way. These idioms often convey ideas about speed, effort, progress, competition, and overcoming obstacles.

Understanding these idioms requires recognizing that their meaning extends beyond the literal act of running. They are often used in everyday conversation and writing to add emphasis, color, and nuance to communication.

Idioms, by their nature, are not meant to be interpreted literally. Their meanings are culturally and historically derived, often requiring familiarity with the language and its nuances. This is especially true for running idioms, which draw on universally understood experiences and metaphors related to movement and exertion.

Structural Breakdown

Running idioms can take various structural forms, including:

• Verb + Adverb: Run wild (to behave without restraint).
• Prepositional Phrase: In the running (having a chance of success).
• Compound Noun: Rat race (a fiercely competitive struggle for success).
• Phrasal Verb: Run out of steam (to lose energy or enthusiasm).

The grammatical structure of a running idiom doesn’t always reveal its meaning. The key to understanding lies in recognizing the figurative context and the cultural associations tied to the expression. For instance, the simple phrase “run around” can have different idiomatic meanings depending on the context, such as being very busy or avoiding a task.

Understanding the structure of idioms can help learners identify them more easily and remember their meanings. Recognizing common patterns, such as the use of prepositions or adverbs, can provide clues about the idiom’s overall function and usage.

Types and Categories of Running Idioms

Running idioms can be categorized based on the concepts they represent:

Idioms Related to Speed

These idioms often describe how quickly or efficiently something is done or how quickly someone moves or progresses.

Idioms Related to Effort and Difficulty

These idioms focus on the amount of work or struggle involved in a task or situation.

Idioms Related to Progress and Success

These idioms describe the advancement or successful completion of a goal or project.

Idioms Related to Obstacles

These idioms highlight challenges, setbacks, or difficulties encountered along the way.

Idioms Related to Competition

These idioms emphasize the competitive nature of a situation or the struggle for dominance.

Examples of Running Idioms

The following sections provide examples of running idioms categorized by their associated concepts. Each example includes a definition and illustrative sentences.

Idioms Related to Speed

These idioms describe how quickly or efficiently something is done.

The following table provides a comprehensive list of idioms related to speed, along with their definitions and example sentences. These idioms are useful for describing situations where time is of the essence or where someone is acting quickly or efficiently.

Idiom	Definition	Example Sentence
Run like the wind	To run very fast	He had to run like the wind to catch the bus.
At a run	Quickly; in a hurry	She was always at a run, trying to balance work and family.
Run circles around	To be much better or faster than someone else	Our new marketing strategy runs circles around the old one.
Run rings around	To easily outperform someone	The experienced programmer could run rings around the novice developers.
Quick off the mark	Reacting or doing something quickly	He was quick off the mark and secured the deal before anyone else.
Hit the ground running	To start something quickly and successfully	The new CEO hit the ground running and immediately implemented changes.
Run with the hare and hunt with the hounds	To try to please two opposing sides	He was accused of trying to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds by supporting both parties.
Get a run for one’s money	To face a strong challenge	The champion really got a run for his money in the final round.
On the run	Fleeing or escaping	The suspect is still on the run from the police.
Make a run for it	To try to escape	When the alarm sounded, they made a run for it.
Run for one’s life	To run to avoid danger	They had to run for their lives when the building caught fire.
Give someone a run for their money	To challenge someone strongly	The underdog gave the favorite a run for their money in the competition.
Run riot	To behave in a wild or uncontrolled manner	The children ran riot in the house while their parents were away.
Run amok	To behave uncontrollably and disruptively	The protesters ran amok through the streets, causing damage and chaos.
Run a tight ship	To manage something efficiently and strictly	The new manager runs a tight ship, ensuring everyone adheres to the rules.
Run counter to	To go against or oppose something	His actions ran counter to the company’s policies.
Run interference	To block or obstruct someone’s progress	The lawyer tried to run interference to protect his client.
Run its course	To come to a natural end	The illness just needs to run its course before you start feeling better.
Run low	To be in short supply	Supplies are beginning to run low, so we need to order more.
Run ragged	To exhaust someone	The busy schedule ran the team ragged.
Run scared	To be afraid and act cautiously	The company started to run scared when their competitor released a better product.
Run afoul of	To come into conflict with	The company ran afoul of the law with its new advertising campaign.
Run a risk	To take a chance	You run a risk of damaging the machine if you use it improperly.
Run wild	To grow or spread quickly and uncontrollably	The rumors ran wild after the announcement.

Idioms Related to Effort and Difficulty

These idioms focus on the amount of work or struggle involved in a task or situation.

The following table provides examples of idioms that relate to effort and difficulty. They often describe situations where someone is struggling, working hard, or facing challenges.

Idiom	Definition	Example Sentence
Run into the ground	To ruin or exhaust something	They ran the business into the ground with poor management.
Run up against a brick wall	To encounter an insurmountable obstacle	We ran up against a brick wall when trying to get the permit.
Run out of gas	To lose energy or enthusiasm	He ran out of gas halfway through the project.
Run the gauntlet	To endure a series of challenges or criticisms	The politician had to run the gauntlet of tough questions from the press.
Run the risk	To take a chance that something bad might happen	If you drive without a license, you run the risk of getting a hefty fine.
Run hot and cold	To alternate between enthusiasm and indifference	Her feelings for him run hot and cold, making it difficult to understand her.
Run interference for someone	To protect or defend someone	His assistant had to run interference for him, shielding him from the media.
Run with the ball	To take charge of a task or project	After the initial planning, she was given the opportunity to run with the ball.
Have a good run	To have a period of success	The band had a good run in the 1980s, producing several hit albums.
Run thin	To become reduced in quantity or quality	The patience of the audience began to run thin as the speaker droned on.
Run the show	To be in charge and make all the decisions	The manager runs the show, making all the key decisions for the company.
Run a temperature	To have a fever	The child is running a temperature and needs to see a doctor.
Run for cover	To seek shelter or protection	When the storm started, everyone had to run for cover.
Run deep	To be strongly felt or deeply rooted	The resentment between the two families runs deep.
Run dry	To be completely used up	The well has run dry due to the drought.
Run errands	To do short tasks or chores	I have to run errands this afternoon, like going to the grocery store and post office.
Run into problems	To encounter difficulties	We ran into problems with the construction project due to bad weather.
Run the risk of	To expose oneself to the possibility of something unpleasant	If you don’t study, you run the risk of failing the exam.
Run a check	To perform a verification	Let’s run a check on his background before we hire him.
Run a campaign	To organize a series of activities to achieve a goal	The organization is running a campaign to raise awareness about environmental issues.
Run interference	To create a diversion or obstacle to protect someone	The lawyer tried to run interference for his client during the investigation.
Run the streets	To spend a lot of time outside, often in a disorderly way	The teenagers were running the streets late at night.

Idioms Related to Progress and Success

These idioms describe the advancement or successful completion of a goal or project.

The following table outlines idioms that are used to describe progress and success in various contexts. These phrases can add color and depth to discussions about achievements and advancements.

Idiom	Definition	Example Sentence
Get off to a running start	To begin something successfully	The project got off to a running start thanks to the team’s dedication.
In the running	Having a chance of success or being considered	She is still in the running for the promotion.
Make headway	To make progress	Despite the challenges, we are making headway on the project.
Gain ground	To make progress, especially against opposition	The company is gaining ground in the market with its innovative products.
Run smoothly	To proceed without problems	The event ran smoothly thanks to careful planning.
Run like clockwork	To operate perfectly and efficiently	The new system runs like clockwork, saving us a lot of time.
Come a long way	To make significant progress	The company has come a long way since it started.
Be on track	To be progressing as planned	We are on track to meet our goals for this quarter.
Run its course	To come to a natural end or conclusion	The controversy will eventually run its course and be forgotten.
Pick up steam	To gain momentum or energy	The project began to pick up steam once the initial hurdles were cleared.
Running on all cylinders	Operating at peak efficiency	The team is running on all cylinders, producing excellent results.
Run the table	To win every game or contest in a series	The team ran the table in the playoffs, winning every game.
Run up the score	To increase the lead significantly	They ran up the score in the second half of the game.
Run the show	To be in charge and make decisions	The manager runs the show and makes all the important decisions.
Have a good run	To have a period of success or good fortune	The business had a good run for several years before facing difficulties.
Run the numbers	To calculate or analyze data	Let’s run the numbers to see if the project is financially viable.
Run with it	To take an idea and develop it	He had a great idea, so we encouraged him to run with it.
Run like a well-oiled machine	To operate smoothly and efficiently	The organization runs like a well-oiled machine, with each department working seamlessly.
Run a tight ship	To manage something efficiently and strictly	The new manager runs a tight ship, ensuring discipline and productivity.
Run on fumes	To continue operating with very little resources or energy	After working long hours, he was running on fumes.
Run ahead of the pack	To be in a leading position	The company’s innovative technology allowed them to run ahead of the pack in the industry.

Idioms Related to Obstacles

These idioms highlight challenges, setbacks, or difficulties encountered along the way.

The following table presents idioms that are commonly used to describe encountering obstacles or facing difficulties. These expressions help convey the challenges and frustrations of dealing with setbacks.

Idiom	Definition	Example Sentence
Run into a brick wall	To encounter an insurmountable obstacle	The negotiations ran into a brick wall due to irreconcilable differences.
Run up against	To encounter difficulties or opposition	They ran up against strong resistance from the community.
Hit a snag	To encounter an unexpected problem	The project hit a snag when the funding was delayed.
Run aground	To encounter problems or difficulties that prevent progress	The business ran aground due to poor financial management.
Run into trouble	To encounter problems or difficulties	They ran into trouble with the new software.
Stumble upon	To find something unexpectedly	I stumbled upon a great little restaurant in the neighborhood.
Run the risk	To expose oneself to the possibility of something unpleasant	If you don’t back up your files, you run the risk of losing important data.
Run out of time	To have no time left to complete a task	We ran out of time before we could finish the presentation.
Run out of patience	To lose one’s temper or tolerance	The teacher ran out of patience with the disruptive students.
Run afoul of	To come into conflict with	The company ran afoul of environmental regulations.
Run interference	To obstruct someone’s progress or plans	The lawyer tried to run interference for his client during the investigation.
Run a fever	To have an elevated body temperature	The child is running a fever and needs to see a doctor.
Run the gauntlet	To endure a series of challenges or criticisms	The politician had to run the gauntlet of tough questions from the press.
Run into the ground	To ruin something through overuse or mismanagement	They ran the business into the ground with poor decisions.
Run on empty	To continue operating with very little resources or energy	After working long hours, he was running on empty.
Run ragged	To exhaust someone	The busy schedule ran the team ragged.
Run scared	To be afraid and act cautiously	The company started to run scared when their competitor released a better product.
Run for cover	To seek shelter or protection	When the storm started, everyone had to run for cover.
Run amok	To behave uncontrollably and disruptively	The protesters ran amok through the streets, causing damage and chaos.

Idioms Related to Competition

These idioms emphasize the competitive nature of a situation or the struggle for dominance.

The following table showcases idioms that capture the essence of competition and rivalry. These expressions are useful for describing situations where individuals or groups are vying for success or dominance.

Idiom	Definition	Example Sentence
In the running	Having a chance of winning or succeeding	She is still in the running for the top job.
Neck and neck	Very close in a race or competition	The two candidates are neck and neck in the polls.
Run circles around	To be much better or faster than someone else	Our new software runs circles around the old system.
Run rings around	To easily outperform someone	The experienced programmer can run rings around the novice developers.
Give someone a run for their money	To provide a strong challenge to someone	The underdog gave the favorite a run for their money in the competition.
Run ahead of the pack	To be in a leading position	The company’s innovative technology allowed them to run ahead of the pack in the industry.
Run a race against time	To be in a situation where speed is essential	The doctors are running a race against time to save the patient’s life.
Run the table	To win every game or contest in a series	The team ran the table in the playoffs, winning every game.
Run up the score	To increase the lead significantly in a competition	They ran up the score in the second half of the game.
Run interference	To obstruct or block someone’s progress in a competition	The lawyer tried to run interference to protect his client.
Run neck and neck	To be very close in a race or competition	The two horses ran neck and neck for most of the race.
Run with the pack	To follow the crowd or do what everyone else is doing	He decided to run with the pack and support the popular candidate.
Run a tight race	To compete closely in a race or competition	The two teams ran a tight race, with the winner being decided in the final moments.
Run the risk	To take a chance that something bad might happen	By investing in the stock market, you run the risk of losing money.
Run a campaign	To organize a series of activities to achieve a goal, often in a competitive context	The organization is running a campaign to raise awareness about environmental issues.
Run for office	To campaign to be elected to a political position	She decided to run for office to represent her community.
Run against the grain	To go against the norm or accepted way of doing things	His unconventional ideas run against the grain of traditional business practices.
Run the show	To be in charge and make all the decisions	The manager runs the show, making all the key decisions for the company.

Usage Rules for Running Idioms

When using running idioms, it’s important to consider the context and audience. Idioms can add color and emphasis to your language, but they can also be confusing if used inappropriately.

Here are some general guidelines:

• Know the meaning: Always be sure you understand the idiom’s meaning before using it.
• Consider your audience: Avoid using idioms with people who may not be familiar with them, such as non-native speakers or young children.
• Use them sparingly: Overusing idioms can make your language sound unnatural or forced.
• Maintain consistency: Ensure that the idiom fits the overall tone and style of your writing or conversation.

Exception: In creative writing, idioms can be used more liberally to create a specific effect or to reflect a character’s personality. However, even in creative contexts, it’s important to use idioms intentionally and with awareness of their potential impact.

Common Mistakes with Running Idioms

One of the most common mistakes is interpreting idioms literally. For example, someone might misunderstand “run out of steam” to mean literally running out of fuel, rather than losing energy or enthusiasm.

Another frequent error is using the wrong form of the idiom. For example, saying “run into a wall” instead of “run into a brick wall” alters the meaning and sounds incorrect.

Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
He runned out of gas.	He ran out of gas.	The past tense of “run” is “ran.”
She is in the running race.	She is in the running.	The idiom is “in the running,” not “in the running race.”
They hit a brick.	They hit a brick wall.	The correct idiom is “hit a brick wall.”
He ran across a problem.	He ran into a problem.	The correct idiom is “run into a problem.”

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of running idioms with these exercises. Choose the correct idiom to complete each sentence.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Question	Options	Answer
The project __________ thanks to the team’s hard work.	a) ran out of steam, b) got off to a running start, c) ran into a brick wall	b) got off to a running start
She is still __________ for the promotion.	a) running wild, b) in the running, c) running around	b) in the running
We __________ when trying to get the permit.	a) ran up against a brick wall, b) ran like the wind, c) ran errands	a) ran up against a brick wall
The suspect is still __________ from the police.	a) on the run, b) running smoothly, c) running a tight ship	a) on the run
The children __________ in the house while their parents were away.	a) ran a temperature, b) ran riot, c) ran errands	b) ran riot
The company __________ due to poor financial management.	a) ran aground, b) ran a check, c) ran a campaign	a) ran aground
The two candidates are __________ in the polls.	a) running a tight ship, b) neck and neck, c) running circles around	b) neck and neck
After working long hours, he was __________.	a) running on empty, b) running the show, c) running errands	a) running on empty
The new system __________, saving us a lot of time.	a) runs like clockwork, b) runs wild, c) runs a risk	a) runs like clockwork
The doctors are __________ to save the patient’s life.	a) running a race against time, b) running interference, c) running the table	a) running a race against time

Exercise 2: True or False

Statement	Answer
“Run out of steam” means to literally run out of fuel.	False
“In the running” means to have a chance of success.	True
“Run errands” means to participate in a race.	False
“Hit a brick wall” means to encounter an insurmountable obstacle.	True
“Run wild” means to behave in a controlled manner.	False
“Make headway” means to make progress.	True
“Run a tight ship” means to manage something efficiently and strictly.	True
“Run the risk” means to avoid taking chances.	False
“Run interference” means to obstruct someone’s progress.	True
“Run the show” means to be in charge and make decisions.	True

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, exploring the etymology and historical context of running idioms can provide a deeper understanding of their meaning and usage. For example, the idiom “run the gauntlet” originates from a military punishment where a person was forced to run between two rows of soldiers who struck them as they passed.

Additionally, analyzing how running idioms are used in literature and media can reveal subtle nuances and variations in their meaning. Consider how different authors or speakers might use the same idiom to convey different messages or to create specific effects.

Finally, comparing running idioms across different languages can highlight cultural differences in how concepts like speed, effort, and competition are expressed. This can provide valuable insights into the cultural values and perspectives reflected in language.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about running idioms:

1. What is an idiom?

   An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of its individual words. It’s a figurative expression that has a culturally understood meaning.

2. Why is it important to learn idioms?

   Learning idioms enhances your understanding of the English language, improves your communication skills, and allows you to engage more effectively in conversations with native speakers. Idioms add color and nuance to your language.

3. How can I learn new idioms?

   Read widely, listen to native speakers, and pay attention to the context in which idioms are used. Use flashcards or online resources to memorize idioms and practice using them in your own speech and writing.

4. Are idioms the same in all English-speaking countries?

   No, idioms can vary between different English-speaking countries and regions. Some idioms are specific to certain dialects or cultures.

5. Can I use idioms in formal writing?

   It depends on the context. Idioms are generally more appropriate for informal writing and conversation. In formal writing, it’s best to use more direct and literal language.

6. What should I do if I don’t understand an idiom?

   Ask for clarification or look it up in a dictionary or online resource. Pay attention to the context in which the idiom is used to get clues about its meaning.

7. How can I avoid misusing idioms?