Lace up your shoes and get ready because today’s post is all about idioms and expressions related to running. There are so many expressions with the word run in them it was hard for me to choose, but I tried to find the top 10 that I think will be the most helpful to you.  The ones I have selected are listed below with an explanation and an example.  If you have any questions about these please post your question as a comment below. Also don’t forget to check out other resources Transparent Language offers to help you learn English.

a dry run – doing something as practice to make sure there will be no problems before you do it for real

Example: The scientist gave the machine a dry run before unveiling it at the big press conference, just to make sure everything was working right.

to be run out of town – to cause someone to feel unwanted or to force someone to leave a location

Example: The mayor knew she would be run out of town as soon as she told the citizens that their taxes would need to be raised by 40%.

to have a good run – to have success

Example: We had a good run as a Fortune 500 company before the stock market crashed.

up and running – working or operating correctly

Example: If the farmer can’t get his tractor up and running quickly he would lose most of his crop for the year.

running on fumes – to be almost out of energy, but continuing to work

Example: As the boxers approached the end of the round they both looked like they were running on fumes.

out of the running – no longer being considered or eliminated from a contest

Example: After the man in first place was found to be cheating he was out of the running and the other contestants were ready to take the lead.

to run with it – to do something independently or in one’s own way

Example: When I was given the project to manage I decided to run with it and see what I could do on my own.

to hit the ground running – to start a new job or task and immediately work very hard

Example: Jim hit the ground running as the new manager, by drawing on his previous experience as assistant manager.

to run an errand – to take a short trip to the store, usually to buy something specific

Example: I have to run errands this afternoon to buy the supplies I need for a party

to cut and run – to run away quickly, usually because something bad has happened or is about to happen

Example: The thieves decided to cut and run when they heard the police sirens coming.