Running is a metaphor for life, a beautiful and powerful way to express both progress and struggle. When we think of running, we often imagine the physical act of moving swiftly, but it is also rich with symbolism. From life’s races to the feeling of chasing dreams or fleeing from difficulties, running is deeply embedded in our language.
It brings up various emotions, metaphors, and idioms that reflect both our inner challenges and victories. Whether you’re an avid runner or simply looking for creative ways to express the idea of running in conversation, this article will explore 30 idioms for running that can help you communicate with warmth, care, and meaningful expression.
1. Run the Show
Meaning: To be in charge or control of a situation or organization.
Example: She runs the show at the office, making all the major decisions.
Best Use: When talking about someone who is the leader or decision-maker.
Not Use: In situations where someone is a passive participant or not in charge.
Other Ways to Say: Be in the driver’s seat, call the shots.
2. Run Out of Steam
Meaning: To lose energy or momentum.
Example: I was doing well on my project, but I ran out of steam halfway through.
Best Use: When discussing fatigue or losing motivation.
Not Use: In positive, energetic contexts.
Other Ways to Say: Lose steam, hit a wall.
3. Run Against the Clock
Meaning: To try to finish something before a deadline.
Example: We’re running against the clock to get the project done before the meeting.
Best Use: In time-sensitive situations or projects.
Not Use: In leisurely or relaxed settings.
Other Ways to Say: Race against time, hurry up.
4. Run in Circles
Meaning: To make no progress while working hard.
Example: I’ve been running in circles all day trying to fix this issue.
Best Use: When discussing inefficiency or lack of progress.
Not Use: In productive, results-oriented contexts.
Other Ways to Say: Go around in circles, be stuck in a rut.
5. Run Into Trouble
Meaning: To encounter difficulty or obstacles.
Example: We ran into trouble when we tried to expand the project scope.
Best Use: When facing unexpected problems.
Not Use: When things are going smoothly or without hindrance.
Other Ways to Say: Hit a snag, run into a wall.
6. Run the Gauntlet
Meaning: To face a series of challenges or difficulties.
Example: The new employee had to run the gauntlet of criticism before being accepted.
Best Use: In challenging or testing situations.
Not Use: In relaxed or non-challenging environments.
Other Ways to Say: Go through the wringer, face the fire.
7. Run on Empty
Meaning: To continue without energy or resources.
Example: I’ve been running on empty for days; I need a vacation.
Best Use: When you’re exhausted or have no more to give.
Not Use: When you’re full of energy or motivation.
Other Ways to Say: Be burned out, have nothing left in the tank.
8. Run the Risk
Meaning: To expose oneself to danger or a chance of something bad happening.
Example: We’re running the risk of missing the deadline if we don’t speed up.
Best Use: In situations involving uncertainty or potential harm.
Not Use: When everything is certain or risk-free.
Other Ways to Say: Take a chance, put yourself at risk.
9. Run Like the Wind
Meaning: To run very fast.
Example: She ran like the wind in the final lap of the race.
Best Use: When describing someone who is running very quickly.
Not Use: In contexts where speed is not involved.
Other Ways to Say: Run at full speed, sprint like lightning.
10. Run a Tight Ship
Meaning: To manage something efficiently and effectively.
Example: The manager runs a tight ship, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Best Use: When discussing efficient leadership or management.
Not Use: In chaotic or disorganized environments.
Other Ways to Say: Be well-organized, manage with precision.
11. Run Wild
Meaning: To act without restraint or control.
Example: The kids ran wild at the playground after school.
Best Use: In situations where things are chaotic or out of control.
Not Use: In calm or controlled settings.
Other Ways to Say: Go wild, get out of hand.
12. Run the Risk of Losing
Meaning: To face the possibility of failure.
Example: You’re running the risk of losing the game if you don’t practice more.
Best Use: In situations where there is a possibility of negative outcomes.
Not Use: In situations where success is guaranteed.
Other Ways to Say: Face the chance of failure, be in danger of losing.
13. Run Up Against a Problem
Meaning: To encounter an issue or challenge unexpectedly.
Example: We ran up against a problem when we realized the materials were delayed.
Best Use: When describing encountering a challenge or difficulty.
Not Use: In situations where things are smooth or easy.
Other Ways to Say: Bump into a problem, encounter an issue.
14. Run the Course
Meaning: To complete something fully or go through its entire process.
Example: She ran the course and finished her degree in just four years.
Best Use: When talking about completing a task or process.
Not Use: When something is left unfinished or incomplete.
Other Ways to Say: Complete the journey, go the distance.
15. Run Hot and Cold
Meaning: To fluctuate between opposing feelings or opinions.
Example: He runs hot and cold about whether he wants to move or stay.
Best Use: When discussing inconsistent feelings or behavior.
Not Use: In situations where feelings are steady or predictable.
Other Ways to Say: Be unpredictable, vacillate.
16. Run With the Ball
Meaning: To take action or responsibility for something.
Example: Once he got the project, he ran with the ball and made it a success.
Best Use: When someone takes initiative or responsibility.
Not Use: In passive situations where someone doesn’t act.
Other Ways to Say: Take charge, take the lead.
17. Run a Marathon
Meaning: To engage in something long and difficult.
Example: The project felt like running a marathon, but I finally finished it.
Best Use: When describing a long and challenging task.
Not Use: For short, easy tasks.
Other Ways to Say: Go the distance, undertake a lengthy challenge.
18. Run Through the Paces
Meaning: To practice or test something thoroughly.
Example: We ran through the paces of the new software to see if it worked.
Best Use: When discussing testing or practicing something.
Not Use: In situations where something is just used casually or without testing.
Other Ways to Say: Test thoroughly, practice rigorously.
19. Run Down
Meaning: To deplete energy or resources.
Example: My phone battery ran down after using it all day.
Best Use: When referring to something being exhausted or used up.
Not Use: When things are fully charged or not depleted.
Other Ways to Say: Run out, drain.
20. Run Hot
Meaning: To be in a good, energized state.
Example: He’s running hot right now with all his new ideas.
Best Use: When someone is energetic or in a successful period.
Not Use: When someone is tired or experiencing a slump.
Other Ways to Say: Be on fire, be in top form.
21. Run a Risk of
Meaning: To expose yourself to a chance of something bad.
Example: You run a risk of failure if you don’t plan ahead.
Best Use: In uncertain situations with possible negative outcomes.
Not Use: In situations where there is little to no risk.
Other Ways to Say: Take a risk, put yourself in danger.
22. Run Off at the Mouth
Meaning: To speak too much or say things without thinking.
Example: She ran off at the mouth during the meeting and caused confusion.
Best Use: When describing someone talking too much.
Not Use: When someone is speaking thoughtfully or sparingly.
Other Ways to Say: Babble, talk incessantly.
23. Run the Distance
Meaning: To endure through a difficult task or challenge.
Example: He ran the distance and completed the triathlon.
Best Use: When describing perseverance through challenges.
Not Use: When something is easy or quick.
Other Ways to Say: Go the whole way, finish the journey.
24. Run Over
Meaning: To exceed or go beyond a limit.
Example: The meeting ran over by an hour.
Best Use: When discussing something taking more time than expected.
Not Use: In situations where things are completed on time.
Other Ways to Say: Exceed, go beyond.
25. Run Up to
Meaning: The period leading to something important.
Example: In the run-up to the election, we saw lots of campaigning.
Best Use: When discussing the time leading to an event.
Not Use: In situations with no significant lead-up.
Other Ways to Say: In preparation for, as the event approaches.
26. Run Through
Meaning: To quickly review or practice.
Example: We ran through the presentation before the big meeting.
Best Use: When preparing or rehearsing something.
Not Use: When no practice or review is involved.
Other Ways to Say: Go over, rehearse.
27. Run Wild with Ideas
Meaning: To let your imagination or creativity flow freely.
Example: The team ran wild with ideas for the new marketing campaign.
Best Use: In creative or brainstorming contexts.
Not Use: When working on something with strict guidelines.
Other Ways to Say: Let loose with ideas, brainstorm freely.
28. Run Your Mouth
Meaning: To talk too much, often in a way that’s irritating.
Example: Stop running your mouth and let others speak.
Best Use: When talking about someone who can’t stop talking.
Not Use: When referring to someone speaking in moderation.
Other Ways to Say: Talk incessantly, babble.
29. Run a Tight Race
Meaning: To have a competition that is closely contested.
Example: The election was a tight race, with only a few votes separating the candidates.
Best Use: In competitive situations.
Not Use: When there’s a clear winner.
Other Ways to Say: Close competition, neck and neck.
30. Run with It
Meaning: To take control or responsibility for something and continue with it.
Example: She came up with a great idea and decided to run with it.
Best Use: When someone takes charge and moves forward.
Not Use: When someone is hesitant or avoids responsibility.
Other Ways to Say: Take charge, take the lead.
FAQs
Q1: What does “run the show” mean in a leadership context?
A1: It means being the person in charge, making decisions, and managing how things go.
Q2: How can I use “run on empty” in a sentence?
A2: You could say, “After working nonstop, I feel like I’m running on empty.”
Q3: What is another way to say “run through the paces”?
A3: You can say “test thoroughly” or “practice rigorously.”
Q4: When should I use the idiom “run wild”?
A4: Use it when describing a situation that is out of control or when someone’s actions are unpredictable.
Q5: Can “run a marathon” be used outside of physical running?
A5: Yes, it can describe any long, difficult task, like a challenging project or journey.
Conclusion
Incorporating idioms for running into your language can bring a level of depth and creativity to your communication. Whether you’re describing effort, challenges, or success, these expressions add a layer of relatability and warmth. By understanding and using them thoughtfully, you can make your speech more vibrant, expressive, and impactful, enhancing your ability to connect with others.
