Running is more than just a physical activity; it’s a way to connect with ourselves, release stress, and even express emotions. Sometimes, words alone aren’t enough to capture the energy, speed, or determination involved in running. That’s where idioms for running come in handy. They allow us to communicate feelings, actions, and situations with warmth, care, and precision. Whether you’re a coach, writer, or simply someone who enjoys jogging, these idioms will help you describe motion, effort, and perseverance in ways that feel alive and meaningful.
1. Break into a run
Meaning: To start running suddenly.
In a sentence: She broke into a run when she saw the bus leaving.
Best use: Use this when describing sudden bursts of movement.
Other ways to say: sprint off, dash suddenly, take off
2. Run for your life
Meaning: To escape danger quickly.
In a sentence: When the fire alarm went off, everyone had to run for their life.
Best use: Express urgency or a life-threatening situation.
Other ways to say: flee, escape fast, make a run
3. Run out of steam
Meaning: To lose energy or motivation.
In a sentence: I started the project enthusiastically, but I ran out of steam halfway.
Best use: When discussing fatigue or loss of momentum.
Other ways to say: lose energy, peter out, slow down
4. Run like the wind
Meaning: To run very fast.
In a sentence: He ran like the wind to catch the train.
Best use: Describing exceptional speed.
Other ways to say: sprint, dash, bolt
5. Run circles around someone
Meaning: To outperform someone easily.
In a sentence: She ran circles around her competitors in the race.
Best use: Highlight skill or superiority.
Other ways to say: outshine, surpass, outperform
6. Run into trouble
Meaning: To encounter difficulties.
In a sentence: We ran into trouble when our car broke down on the highway.
Best use: To describe unexpected problems.
Other ways to say: face issues, hit a snag, come across difficulties
7. Run on empty
Meaning: To continue despite being very tired.
In a sentence: After working for 12 hours, she was running on empty but still finished the task.
Best use: Talking about perseverance when exhausted.
Other ways to say: be drained, exhausted, out of energy
8. Run the show
Meaning: To be in control of a situation.
In a sentence: Even though she was quiet, she ran the show at the event.
Best use: Highlight leadership or management skills.
Other ways to say: take charge, lead, manage
9. Run like clockwork
Meaning: To happen smoothly and efficiently.
In a sentence: The event ran like clockwork thanks to the team’s preparation.
Best use: To describe flawless execution.
Other ways to say: operate perfectly, go smoothly, work seamlessly
10. Run with the idea
Meaning: To pursue a plan or concept.
In a sentence: I decided to run with the idea of opening my own bakery.
Best use: Encouraging initiative or creativity.
Other ways to say: pursue, follow through, explore
11. Run in circles
Meaning: To make effort without progress.
In a sentence: I’ve been running in circles trying to solve this problem.
Best use: Express frustration with repetitive efforts.
Other ways to say: go nowhere, struggle aimlessly, be stuck
12. Run for office
Meaning: To compete in an election.
In a sentence: She decided to run for office to improve community services.
Best use: Describing political ambitions.
Other ways to say: campaign, seek election, stand for election
13. Run amok
Meaning: To behave uncontrollably.
In a sentence: The kids ran amok in the playground.
Best use: Illustrate chaos or unruly behavior.
Other ways to say: go wild, act uncontrollably, create havoc
14. Run a tight ship
Meaning: To manage something very efficiently.
In a sentence: She runs a tight ship at her restaurant.
Best use: Highlight discipline and organization.
Other ways to say: manage strictly, maintain control, be organized
15. Run errands
Meaning: To go out to complete small tasks.
In a sentence: I need to run errands before dinner.
Best use: Everyday life activities.
Other ways to say: do chores, complete tasks, go shopping
16. Run someone down
Meaning: To criticize or physically hit someone.
In a sentence: Don’t run him down for his mistake.
Best use: To caution against negative judgments.
Other ways to say: criticize, attack, hit
17. Run out of time
Meaning: To have no time left.
In a sentence: We ran out of time before finishing the assignment.
Best use: Emphasize urgency or time management.
Other ways to say: time’s up, out of minutes, deadline reached
18. Run hot and cold
Meaning: To be inconsistent in mood or performance.
In a sentence: He runs hot and cold with his enthusiasm for running.
Best use: Describe unpredictability in people or situations.
Other ways to say: be inconsistent, fluctuate, vary
19. Run a risk
Meaning: To expose oneself to danger or loss.
In a sentence: You run a risk if you don’t wear a helmet.
Best use: Highlight caution in decision-making.
Other ways to say: take a chance, hazard, gamble
20. Run rings around someone
Meaning: To be much better than someone at a task.
In a sentence: She ran rings around everyone in the chess tournament.
Best use: Emphasize clear superiority.
Other ways to say: outperform, excel, dominate
21. Run riot
Meaning: To behave in a wild and uncontrolled way.
In a sentence: Imagination ran riot in the children’s workshop.
Best use: Creativity or chaos in action.
Other ways to say: go wild, act freely, break loose
22. Run the risk of
Meaning: To potentially face negative consequences.
In a sentence: If you skip practice, you run the risk of losing the game.
Best use: Express caution or potential danger.
Other ways to say: be exposed to, hazard, chance
23. Run the gamut
Meaning: To cover a full range.
In a sentence: His experiences ran the gamut from joy to sorrow.
Best use: Discuss variety or completeness.
Other ways to say: cover everything, span, experience fully
24. Run like mad
Meaning: To run very quickly.
In a sentence: We ran like mad to catch the last train.
Best use: Emphasize extreme speed.
Other ways to say: sprint, dash, bolt
25. Run short
Meaning: To have less than needed.
In a sentence: We ran short of supplies during the hike.
Best use: Discuss scarcity or shortage.
Other ways to say: be lacking, fall short, have less
FAQs
Q1: Can these idioms be used in formal writing?
Yes, but select idioms that suit the tone; for example, “run like clockwork” works well, but “run amok” may be too casual.
Q2: Are these idioms only about physical running?
Not at all. Many describe emotional, mental, or situational “running” in life.
Q3: How can I remember these idioms easily?
Practice by using them in daily conversations or writing small stories. Associating idioms with personal experiences helps retention.
Q4: Are there cultural differences in these idioms?
Some idioms may be more common in British or American English, but most are widely understood in English-speaking contexts.
Q5: Can I create my own idioms for running?
Absolutely! Idioms often emerge from personal or cultural experiences, so creative expressions are welcome.
Conclusion
Learning idioms for running is a delightful way to enrich your vocabulary and communicate more vividly. Each idiom carries its own nuance, helping you convey speed, effort, or emotion with clarity and warmth. By practicing these expressions in everyday life, you not only enhance your language skills but also connect more deeply with the energy of running—both literally and metaphorically. Remember, language, like running, is best experienced fully and with joy.
Daniel Matthew is a passionate visionary who believes in creativity, purpose, and innovation. With a focus on growth and authenticity, he turns every idea into meaningful impact.
