Language is full of expressions that go far beyond their literal meaning. These are called idioms—colorful phrases that make everyday communication more interesting and natural.
Idioms are especially useful because they give life to our conversations, allowing us to express complex ideas with just a few words.
Among the many types of idioms in English, those related to running stand out because they often symbolize movement, progress, energy, and determination.
Whether you’re learning English for fun, travel, business, or exams, knowing idioms for running can help you understand native speakers better and make your own speech sound more fluent.
Many of these idioms aren’t about the physical act of running but about life situations—like rushing to meet a deadline, escaping a problem, or pursuing success.
Let’s explore some fascinating idioms for running that can enrich your vocabulary and speed up your communication skills.
Did You Know?
The word “run” is one of the most versatile verbs in English. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it has over 600 different meanings and uses! This makes it one of the richest and most flexible words in the language, which is why so many idioms are built around it.
Idioms for Running
Below are 46+ idioms for running, organized into groups that reflect common themes.
Idioms About Moving Fast and Taking Action
Run for Your Life
Meaning: Escape from great danger.
Example: When the fire started, everyone had to run for their lives.
Alternative: Flee for safety.
Note: Common in dramatic or urgent situations.
Hit the Ground Running
Meaning: Start something with great energy and enthusiasm.
Example: She hit the ground running on her first day at work.
Alternative: Start strong.
Note: Popular in professional and motivational contexts.
Off and Running
Meaning: Begin quickly and successfully.
Example: The project is off and running after months of planning.
Alternative: Get going.
Note: Often used in workplace or project discussions.
Make a Run for It
Meaning: Try to escape quickly.
Example: The thief made a run for it when he saw the police.
Alternative: Dash away.
Note: Informal, often in storytelling.
Run Circles Around Someone
Meaning: Be much better or faster than someone.
Example: The young player ran circles around the older defenders.
Alternative: Outperform.
Note: Common in sports or performance comparisons.
Running on Empty
Meaning: Continuing without energy or resources.
Example: After working all night, I’m running on empty.
Alternative: Exhausted but still going.
Note: Used in daily life, informal.
In Full Swing (Running)
Meaning: At the peak of activity or progress.
Example: The festival was in full swing by evening.
Alternative: At its height.
Note: Informal, festive or event-based situations.
Idioms About Escaping, Avoiding, or Problems
Run Away With Something
Meaning: Take something quickly without permission.
Example: The kids ran away with my phone.
Alternative: Snatch.
Note: Informal, daily conversation.
Run Out of Time
Meaning: Not enough time left to finish.
Example: We ran out of time during the exam.
Alternative: Time is up.
Note: Common in school and work.
Run Into Trouble
Meaning: Face unexpected problems.
Example: The company ran into trouble with its finances.
Alternative: Encounter difficulties.
Note: Suitable for both formal and informal use.
Run Someone Ragged
Meaning: Exhaust someone by making them work too hard.
Example: The children ran their babysitter ragged.
Alternative: Wear out.
Note: Informal, often family-related.
Run the Risk
Meaning: Do something that may cause danger or problems.
Example: If you invest carelessly, you run the risk of losing money.
Alternative: Take a chance.
Note: Formal and professional settings.
Run for Cover
Meaning: Hide to escape danger.
Example: People ran for cover when the storm began.
Alternative: Seek shelter.
Note: Informal, used in both literal and figurative senses.
Run Out of Steam
Meaning: Lose energy or enthusiasm.
Example: The team started strong but ran out of steam at the end.
Alternative: Burn out.
Note: Informal, daily use.
Run Afoul Of
Meaning: Get into conflict with someone or something.
Example: He ran afoul of the law after illegal dealings.
Alternative: Clash with.
Note: More formal, used in legal or political contexts.
Run and Hide
Meaning: Avoid facing a problem.
Example: You can’t just run and hide from your responsibilities.
Alternative: Escape accountability.
Note: Informal, often used in advice.
Idioms About Success, Effort, and Ambition
Run with It
Meaning: Take an idea or opportunity and use it well.
Example: She took the suggestion and ran with it.
Alternative: Make the most of it.
Note: Positive, motivational phrase.
In the Long Run
Meaning: Over a long period of time.
Example: Studying hard pays off in the long run.
Alternative: Eventually.
Note: Common in formal and informal contexts.
Run the Show
Meaning: Be in charge of something.
Example: She runs the show at the office.
Alternative: Call the shots.
Note: Informal, workplace usage.
Run Neck and Neck
Meaning: Competing closely.
Example: The two candidates are running neck and neck.
Alternative: Tied.
Note: Common in politics, sports, and business.
A Run of Luck
Meaning: A period of good fortune.
Example: He’s had a run of luck at the casino.
Alternative: Lucky streak.
Note: Informal, often gambling or sports.
Run Its Course
Meaning: Finish naturally without interference.
Example: The fever will run its course.
Alternative: Come to an end.
Note: Common in medical or natural situations.
Run the Gauntlet
Meaning: Go through a series of difficulties.
Example: He ran the gauntlet of tough interviews.
Alternative: Face challenges.
Note: Formal and historical in tone.
Run Riot
Meaning: Act without control.
Example: The children ran riot at the party.
Alternative: Go wild.
Note: Informal, often about groups or kids.
Run Hot and Cold
Meaning: Change emotions or opinions frequently.
Example: She runs hot and cold about the new plan.
Alternative: Be inconsistent.
Note: Informal, often in relationships.
Idioms About Daily Life and Common Situations
Run Late
Meaning: Not on time.
Example: I’m running late for the meeting.
Alternative: Be delayed.
Note: Very common in daily conversations.
Run Around
Meaning: Be very busy doing many tasks.
Example: I’ve been running around all day with errands.
Alternative: Rush about.
Note: Informal, daily usage.
Run Low On
Meaning: Have very little left.
Example: We’re running low on milk.
Alternative: Almost out of.
Note: Common in households.
Run a Tight Ship
Meaning: Manage something strictly and efficiently.
Example: The manager runs a tight ship in her department.
Alternative: Keep strict control.
Note: Workplace and leadership contexts.
Run the Numbers
Meaning: Calculate or check carefully.
Example: Let’s run the numbers before making the deal.
Alternative: Do the math.
Note: Professional and business use.
Run-of-the-Mill
Meaning: Ordinary or average.
Example: It was just a run-of-the-mill performance.
Alternative: Nothing special.
Note: Informal, descriptive.
Run Your Mouth
Meaning: Talk too much or carelessly.
Example: Stop running your mouth and listen.
Alternative: Blabber.
Note: Informal and rude tone.
On the Run
Meaning: In a hurry or escaping.
Example: He’s always on the run between jobs.
Alternative: Constantly busy.
Note: Both literal and figurative uses.
Run Smoothly
Meaning: Work without problems.
Example: The event ran smoothly thanks to good planning.
Alternative: Go well.
Note: Formal and informal, positive usage.
How to Use These Idioms in Daily Life
- Speaking: Use running idioms in conversations to sound natural. Example: Instead of saying “I am very busy,” say “I’m always on the run.”
- Writing: In emails or reports, idioms make writing lively. Example: “The project is off and running” sounds more engaging than “The project has started.”
- Professional Use: Idioms like “hit the ground running” or “run the numbers” are common in workplace communication. They make you sound confident and fluent.
Common Mistakes Learners Make With Idioms
- Wrong Tense:
❌ He hit the ground run.
✅ He hit the ground running. - Literal Meaning Confusion:
❌ She is literally running out of time. (She is not physically running.)
✅ She is running out of time to finish her work. - Mixing Idioms:
❌ He ran into steam.
✅ He ran out of steam.
FAQs
1. Are idioms about running always about sports?
No, most running idioms are about life situations, not just physical running.
2. Can I use running idioms in formal writing?
Yes, some like “in the long run” or “run the numbers” fit well in professional writing.
3. Are running idioms common in daily conversation?
Very common. Phrases like “running late” or “on the run” are heard every day.
4. How can I remember idioms better?
Practice them in sentences, group them by theme, and listen to native speakers.
5. Do idioms change meaning across cultures?
Yes, sometimes idioms don’t translate well, so always learn their English meaning.
Conclusion
Idioms about running are powerful tools in English. They go far beyond movement or speed—they describe energy, challenges, daily life, and even success.
By learning them, you’ll not only understand native speakers better but also express yourself in a more colorful and natural way.
Whether you’re “running out of time,” “running the show,” or “running into trouble,” these phrases keep your English lively and sharp. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be hitting the ground running in your conversations!
