Running isn’t just something we do with our feet. In life, we are often running to catch up, keep up, or stay ahead. People use lots of creative idioms about running to describe working hard, moving fast, or handling busy days. In this article, I’m sharing 21 idioms for running that are super easy to understand and use.
From my own experience, running can feel like both a race and an adventure. These idioms help us describe moments when life moves quickly or when we put in extra effort. Whether you’re talking about sports, work, or just a busy day, these expressions make conversations fun and meaningful. Ready? Let’s go!
1. Run out of steam
Meaning:
To get too tired to keep going.
In a sentence:
I ran out of steam after working all day.
Best use:
When you’re too tired to continue.
Other ways to say:
- Out of energy
- Worn out
2. Run for your life
Meaning:
To run very fast to get away from danger.
In a sentence:
We had to run for our lives during the storm.
Best use:
When escaping something scary.
Other ways to say:
- Get away fast
- Escape quickly
3. In the long run
Meaning:
Thinking about the future.
In a sentence:
Eating healthy will help in the long run.
Best use:
When talking about future benefits.
Other ways to say:
- Over time
- In the end
4. Run like the wind
Meaning:
To run very fast.
In a sentence:
She ran like the wind to win the race.
Best use:
When someone moves quickly.
Other ways to say:
- Super fast
- Lightning speed
5. Run a tight ship
Meaning:
To manage things very well.
In a sentence:
She runs a tight ship at the office.
Best use:
For good leaders.
Other ways to say:
- Organized
- Well-managed
6. Run circles around
Meaning:
To do better than someone else.
In a sentence:
He ran circles around his competition.
Best use:
For showing skill.
Other ways to say:
- Beat easily
- Outperform
7. Run on empty
Meaning:
Working without any energy left.
In a sentence:
I’m running on empty after that trip.
Best use:
When feeling very tired.
Other ways to say:
- Exhausted
- Drained
8. Run its course
Meaning:
To let something finish naturally.
In a sentence:
The cold will run its course.
Best use:
For sickness or situations.
Other ways to say:
- Finish up
- Come to an end
9. Run the show
Meaning:
To be in charge.
In a sentence:
She runs the show at work.
Best use:
For someone in control.
Other ways to say:
- Lead
- Take charge
10. Run wild
Meaning:
To act without control.
In a sentence:
The kids ran wild at the park.
Best use:
When things get chaotic.
Other ways to say:
- Go chaotic
- Be free
11. Run with it
Meaning:
To take an idea and do something great.
In a sentence:
That’s a good idea, so run with it!
Best use:
For starting projects.
Other ways to say:
- Go for it
- Take action
12. Run off
Meaning:
To leave quickly.
In a sentence:
He ran off after the party.
Best use:
When someone leaves fast.
Other ways to say:
- Take off
- Rush out
13. Run into trouble
Meaning:
To have a problem.
In a sentence:
We ran into trouble on our trip.
Best use:
For unexpected problems.
Other ways to say:
- Hit a snag
- Face trouble
14. Run errands
Meaning:
To go out and complete small tasks.
In a sentence:
I have to run errands today.
Best use:
For daily chores.
Other ways to say:
- Do tasks
- Handle chores
15. Run late
Meaning:
To be behind schedule.
In a sentence:
Sorry, I’m running late!
Best use:
When you’re not on time.
Other ways to say:
- Behind schedule
- Delayed
16. Run through
Meaning:
To practice or check something quickly.
In a sentence:
Let’s run through the plan again.
Best use:
Before events or meetings.
Other ways to say:
- Review
- Go over
17. Run down
Meaning:
To feel really tired.
In a sentence:
She’s feeling run down after work.
Best use:
For low energy.
Other ways to say:
- Exhausted
- Worn out
18. Run short
Meaning:
To not have enough of something.
In a sentence:
We’re running short on milk.
Best use:
For supplies or time.
Other ways to say:
- Low on
- Almost out
19. Run across
Meaning:
To find something by chance.
In a sentence:
I ran across an old photo.
Best use:
When you discover something.
Other ways to say:
- Come across
- Find
20. Run after
Meaning:
To chase or follow.
In a sentence:
The dog ran after the ball.
Best use:
For chasing things or people.
Other ways to say:
- Follow
- Chase
21. Run ragged
Meaning:
To be very tired from too much to do.
In a sentence:
The busy week ran me ragged.
Best use:
After lots of work.
Other ways to say:
- Worn out
- Beat
Conclusion
These 21 idioms for running are perfect for describing life when things feel busy, fast, or just a bit wild. Whether you’re talking about your day, your work, or even your feelings, these idioms can make your words more colorful and caring. Try a few out and see how they bring your conversations to life!
