Running isn’t just about moving your feet; it’s a powerful force in our language, too! From fast actions to escaping problems, idioms about running a sprint are entering our daily conversations.
These dynamic phrases go beyond literal movement, helping us describe everything from quickly finishing a task to avoiding responsibility. Let’s race through some common expressions inspired by the act of running, making our everyday talk more vivid and energetic.
Best Idioms about Running
1. On the Run Is a Hasty Flight
Meaning: To be fleeing or avoiding capture, often in a hurry, like a fugitive running from danger.
In a Sentence: After forgetting his lines, he was on the run, a hasty flight from the stage.
Other Ways to Say: On the lam, fleeing, escaping quickly.
2. Run For It Is a Desperate Sprint
Meaning: To escape quickly from danger or a bad situation, like sprinting to safety.
In a Sentence: When the storm hit, they ran for it, a desperate sprint to the shelter.
Other Ways to Say: Make a break for it, bolt, dash away.
3. Cut and Run Is a Swift Retreat
Meaning: To abandon a situation quickly to avoid trouble, originally from sailors cutting ropes to sail away.
In a Sentence: When the deal turned sour, she cut and ran, a swift retreat from the negotiation.
Other Ways to Say: Bail out, abandon ship, make a quick exit.
4. Got to Run Is an Urgent Dash
Meaning: To need to leave quickly, often due to time constraints or pressing matters.
In a Sentence: Sorry, got to run, an urgent dash to my next meeting!
Other Ways to Say: Have to go, must dash, need to hurry.
5. Run Is a Quick Escape
Meaning: To flee or move quickly to avoid something, often used in urgent or playful contexts.
In a Sentence: When the dog barked, the cat ran, a quick escape up the tree.
Other Ways to Say: Bolt, dash, take off.
6. Bolt Like Lightning Is a Thunderous Rush
Meaning: To move extremely fast, like a lightning bolt streaking across the sky.
In a Sentence: She bolted like lightning, a thunderous rush to catch the bus.
Other Ways to Say: Speed off, race away, flash by.
7. Dash for Cover Is a Frantic Scramble
Meaning: To rush to a safe place, like seeking cover from danger or rain.
In a Sentence: When the rain started, they dashed for cover, a frantic scramble to the tent.
Other Ways to Say: Run for shelter, hurry to safety, scramble away.
8. Sprint to Safety Is a Panicked Surge
Meaning: To run quickly to a secure place, emphasizing urgency and fear.
In a Sentence: Hearing the alarm, they sprinted to safety, a panicked surge to the exit.
Other Ways to Say: Rush to safety, bolt to cover, hurry away.
9. Run for the Hills Is a Fearful Flight
Meaning: To flee from danger or trouble, as if running to hide in the hills.
In a Sentence: When the boss got angry, they ran for the hills, a fearful flight from the office.
Other Ways to Say: Flee in panic, escape quickly, head for safety.
10. Make a Run for It Is a Bold Getaway
Meaning: To attempt a daring escape or quick departure from a risky situation.
In a Sentence: Seeing the guard distracted, they made a run for it, a bold getaway from the scene.
Other Ways to Say: Break away, dash off, attempt an escape.
11. Run Circles Around Is a Dominant Stride
Meaning: To outperform or outdo someone easily, as if running faster circles around them.
In a Sentence: She ran circles around her competitors, a dominant stride in the debate.
Other Ways to Say: Outshine, outperform, leave in the dust.
12. A Running Start Is a Head Start
Meaning: An initial advantage in a task or competition, like starting a race ahead of others.
In a Sentence: Her early training gave her a running start, a head start in the project.
Other Ways to Say: Early advantage, jump start, initial edge.
13. A Run for Money Is a Fierce Challenge
Meaning: To give strong competition, making someone work hard, like a close race.
In a Sentence: The new team gave us a run for our money, a fierce challenge in the match.
Other Ways to Say: Tough competition, close contest, strong rival.
14. Race to the Finish Is a Determined Rush
Meaning: To strive intensely to complete a task or goal, like racing to the finish line.
In a Sentence: They raced to the finish, a determined rush to meet the deadline.
Other Ways to Say: Hurry to complete, push to the end, sprint to the goal.
15. Outrun the Pack Is a Leading Pace
Meaning: To surpass others in a competition, like running ahead of a group.
In a Sentence: She outran the pack, a leading pace in the sales rankings.
Other Ways to Say: Lead the field, outpace others, stay ahead.
Related Post: 50 Idioms for Working Hard with Real Impact
16. Keep Pace Is a Steady Stride
Meaning: To stay level or match someone’s progress, like running at the same speed.
In a Sentence: He worked hard to keep pace, a steady stride with his ambitious peers.
Other Ways to Say: Stay even, match speed, keep up.
17. Run the Gauntlet Is a Courageous Dash
Meaning: To endure a series of challenges or criticisms, like running through a dangerous gauntlet.
In a Sentence: She ran the gauntlet of tough questions, a courageous dash during the interview.
Other Ways to Say: Face the challenge, endure trials, brave the storm.
18. Stride Ahead Is a Confident Lead
Meaning: To make significant progress or lead confidently, like striding ahead in a race.
In a Sentence: Her innovative ideas let her stride ahead, a confident lead in the project.
Other Ways to Say: Forge ahead, take the lead, move forward.
19. Run Around Like a Headless Chicken Is a Frantic Flurry
Meaning: To act in a panicked, disorganized way, like a chicken running without direction.
In a Sentence: Before the event, she was running around like a headless chicken, a frantic flurry of tasks.
Other Ways to Say: Panic chaotically, rush aimlessly, scramble wildly.
20. Run Rampant Is an Unchecked Surge
Meaning: To spread or act uncontrollably, like something running wild without restraint.
In a Sentence: Gossip ran rampant in the office, an unchecked surge of rumors.
Other Ways to Say: Spread wildly, run wild, go unchecked.
21. Running Battle Is a Relentless Clash
Meaning: A prolonged conflict or struggle, like a battle fought while on the move.
In a Sentence: Their disagreement became a running battle, a relentless clash over weeks.
Other Ways to Say: Ongoing conflict, prolonged fight, continuous struggle.
22. Scramble Like a Sprinter Is a Chaotic Rush
Meaning: To act hurriedly and chaotically, like a sprinter scrambling at the start of a race.
In a Sentence: They scrambled like sprinters, a chaotic rush to finish the project on time.
Other Ways to Say: Hurry frantically, rush chaotically, scramble wildly.
23. Run Amok Is a Wild Frenzy
Meaning: To behave uncontrollably or disruptively, like running wildly without restraint.
In a Sentence: The kids ran amok at the party, a wild frenzy of energy.
Other Ways to Say: Go wild, act recklessly, rampage.
24. Chaos on the Run Is a Disorderly Sprint
Meaning: A state of disorganized, hectic activity, like chaos moving at a running pace.
In a Sentence: The event prep was chaos on the run, a disorderly sprint to get everything ready.
Other Ways to Say: Hectic disorder, frantic mess, wild rush.
25. Wild Dash Is an Unruly Burst
Meaning: A sudden, uncontrolled burst of activity, like a wild run in any direction.
In a Sentence: The crowd made a wild dash for the sale, an unruly burst of excitement.
Other Ways to Say: Crazy rush, uncontrolled sprint, frantic surge.
26. Frenzied Sprint Is a Manic Pace
Meaning: A highly energetic, chaotic rush, like sprinting in a frenzy.
In a Sentence: The last-minute preparations were a frenzied sprint, a manic pace to meet the deadline.
Other Ways to Say: Hectic rush, frantic dash, chaotic hurry.
27. Run Like Clockwork Is a Seamless Rhythm
Meaning: To operate smoothly and predictably, like a clock running with precision.
In a Sentence: The event ran like clockwork, a seamless rhythm of perfect timing.
Other Ways to Say: Run smoothly, work perfectly, operate flawlessly.
28. Run a Tight Ship Is a Disciplined Pace
Meaning: To manage a group or operation with strict control and efficiency, like a well-run ship.
In a Sentence: She runs a tight ship, a disciplined pace keeping her team on track.
Other Ways to Say: Manage strictly, keep in line, run efficiently.
29. Run Errands Is a Busy Trot
Meaning: To perform small tasks or chores, often involving running around to various places.
In a Sentence: She spent the morning running errands, a busy trot to the store and post office.
Other Ways to Say: Do chores, handle tasks, run around.
30. Smooth as a Stride Is a Fluid Flow
Meaning: To operate effortlessly and efficiently, like a runner’s smooth stride.
In a Sentence: The project went smoothly as a stride, a fluid flow from start to finish.
Other Ways to Say: Effortless flow, seamless operation, smooth running.
31. Run the Show Is a Commanding Lead
Meaning: To be in charge or control of a situation, like leading a performance.
In a Sentence: She ran the show, a commanding lead during the event planning.
Other Ways to Say: Call the shots, be in charge, lead the way.
32. Well-Oiled Run Is a Flawless Pace
Meaning: A process or operation that runs smoothly, like a well-oiled machine.
In a Sentence: The team’s workflow was a well-oiled run, a flawless pace of productivity.
Other Ways to Say: Smooth operation, efficient flow, perfect run.
33. Steady Pace Is a Reliable Rhythm
Meaning: A consistent, dependable rate of progress, like a runner maintaining a steady speed.
In a Sentence: He worked at a steady pace, a reliable rhythm to complete the task.
Other Ways to Say: Consistent speed, even flow, reliable progress.
34. Flow Like a Runner Is a Graceful Motion
Meaning: To proceed smoothly and effortlessly, like a runner moving with grace.
In a Sentence: The presentation flowed like a runner, a graceful motion from start to end.
Other Ways to Say: Move smoothly, glide along, seamless progress.
35. Run Out of Is a Depleted Sprint
Meaning: To exhaust a supply of something, like running out of energy in a race.
In a Sentence: We ran out of time, a depleted sprint before the deadline.
Other Ways to Say: Use up, exhaust, run dry.
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36. Run Dry Is an Empty Stride
Meaning: To completely use up a resource, like a stream drying up or a runner’s energy fading.
In a Sentence: The budget ran dry, an empty stride halting the project.
Other Ways to Say: Dry up, run out, become depleted.
37. Run on Fumes Is a Weary Dash
Meaning: To continue with minimal energy or resources, like a car running on the last of its fuel.
In a Sentence: After hours of work, she was running on fumes, a weary dash to finish.
Other Ways to Say: Barely keep going, out of energy, scrape by.
38. Out of Steam Is a Fading Pace
Meaning: To lose energy or momentum, like a steam engine running out of power.
In a Sentence: By the end of the day, he was out of steam, a fading pace in his tasks.
Other Ways to Say: Exhausted, worn out, losing momentum.
39. Run to Ground Is an Exhausted End
Meaning: To pursue until exhausted or captured, like hunting something until it’s cornered.
In a Sentence: They ran the issue to ground, an exhausted end after hours of debate.
Other Ways to Say: Chase down, track to exhaustion, corner.
40. Drained Sprint Is a Spent Effort
Meaning: A state of complete exhaustion after intense effort, like a sprint that leaves you drained.
In a Sentence: After the marathon, her drained sprint was a spent effort, leaving her exhausted.
Other Ways to Say: Worn out, depleted effort, exhausted run.
41. (One’s) Blood Runs Cold Is a Chilling Jolt
Meaning: To feel sudden fear or horror, as if one’s blood freezes while running.
In a Sentence: Hearing the news, her blood ran cold, a chilling jolt of fear.
Other Ways to Say: Freeze in fear, heart stops, feel terrified.
42. Run a Fever Is a Burning Rush
Meaning: To have an elevated body temperature due to illness, like running with intense heat.
In a Sentence: He was running a fever, a burning rush that kept him in bed.
Other Ways to Say: Have a fever, feel feverish, run hot.
43. Chilled Sprint Is a Frozen Panic
Meaning: A sudden, fear-driven rush, like sprinting in cold, shocking conditions.
In a Sentence: The eerie sound triggered a chilled sprint, a frozen panic through the dark.
Other Ways to Say: Fearful rush, panicked dash, cold terror.
44. Heart-Pounding Run Is a Thrilling Surge
Meaning: An intense, adrenaline-fueled effort, like running with a racing heart.
In a Sentence: Escaping the danger was a heart-pounding run, a thrilling surge of adrenaline.
Other Ways to Say: Adrenaline rush, thrilling escape, pulse-racing effort.
45. Fearful Dash Is a Terrified Bolt
Meaning: A quick, fear-driven escape, like dashing away in terror.
In a Sentence: The loud noise sparked a fearful dash, a terrified bolt to safety.
Other Ways to Say: Panicked run, scared sprint, frightened escape.
46. Pulse-Racing Pace Is an Intense Rush
Meaning: A fast, exciting activity that increases adrenaline, like running at a heart-racing pace.
In a Sentence: The competition kept a pulse-racing pace, an intense rush to the finish.
Other Ways to Say: Heart-pounding speed, thrilling pace, adrenaline surge.
47. Dry Run Is a Practice Lap
Meaning: A rehearsal or trial to test a process, like a practice run before a race.
In a Sentence: They did a dry run of the presentation, a practice lap to perfect it.
Other Ways to Say: Trial run, rehearsal, test run.
48. Run Through Is a Rehearsed Stride
Meaning: To practice or review something, like running through a course or script.
In a Sentence: She ran through her speech, a rehearsed stride before the event.
Other Ways to Say: Practice, go over, rehearse.
49. Practice Sprint Is a Trial Pace
Meaning: A preliminary attempt to test or improve, like a sprint to practice for a race.
In a Sentence: The team did a practice sprint, a trial pace to refine their strategy.
Other Ways to Say: Test run, trial effort, practice attempt.
50. Trial Run Is a Test Dash
Meaning: An experimental attempt to test something, like a short run to check performance.
In a Sentence: The software had a trial run, a test dash before the official launch.
Other Ways to Say: Test run, dry run, experimental attempt.
Exercise to Practice – Idioms About Running
- After the bank robbery, the suspects were _________________________ from the police.
- When the fire alarm sounded, everyone immediately _________________________.
- The politician was accused of trying to _________________________ from his responsibilities.
- “I’m sorry, but I really _________________________; my next appointment is in five minutes.”
- When the unexpected obstacle appeared, they had to quickly _________________________.
- The new project manager helped the team _________________________ by streamlining their processes.
- She had to _________________________ of tough questions during the press conference.
- The kids were _________________________ in the playground, shouting and laughing.
- By the end of the long work week, I was really _________________________ and needed a rest.
- Before the grand opening, the restaurant staff did a _________________________ of the service to ensure everything was perfect.
Answer Key
- on the run
- ran for it
- cut and run
- got to run
- dash for cover
- run a tight ship
- run the gauntlet
- running amok
- running on fumes
- dry run
Conclusion
Idioms about running are much more than just quick phrases; they’re dynamic ways to describe actions, progress, and even challenges. These expressions show how a simple movement can inspire countless meanings in our language. By using them, you can add a burst of energy to your conversations, making your words truly hit the ground running!
Danny Weber is a language enthusiast and freelance writer with a passion for unpacking the beauty of idioms and metaphors. Through years of research and creative exploration, Danny helps readers understand the deeper meanings behind familiar phrases—making figurative language feel accessible, engaging, and alive. Whether he’s decoding classic sayings or crafting new twists on old expressions, Danny’s work invites you to see language with fresh eyes.
