Running is something we see and do often. People run in races, in gym class, or even just for fun at recess. It’s not always about speed—running can show how we try hard, keep going, or work to reach a goal. That’s why it’s a great idea to use metaphors when we talk about running.
Metaphors help us compare running to things we already know. Instead of saying someone is fast or strong, we can say they are “a bolt of lightning” or “a racing engine.” These phrases make our ideas more fun and easy to picture. In this article, we will look at different metaphors for running. Each one shows something special about how people move, try, and grow. Let’s explore how these comparisons can help us understand running in new ways.
Metaphors for Running
1. Running on empty
Meaning: Feeling tired or having no energy left.
Example: After gym class, I was running on empty. / Mom said she’s running on empty after work.
Put Differently: I was super tired. / She had no more energy.
2. Hit the ground running
Meaning: Start something quickly and with energy.
Example: We hit the ground running on our science project. / She hit the ground running after the bell rang.
Put Differently: We started fast and worked hard. / She jumped right into it.
3. In the home stretch
Meaning: Near the end of something.
Example: We’re in the home stretch of the school year. / I was in the home stretch of my reading log.
Put Differently: Almost done. / Getting close to finishing.
4. A marathon, not a sprint
Meaning: Something takes time and effort, not speed.
Example: Learning math is a marathon, not a sprint. / Getting good at piano is a marathon, not a sprint.
Put Differently: It takes time and hard work. / You can’t rush it.
5. Off and running
Meaning: Something has started well.
Example: Our book club is off and running. / The play is off and running after weeks of practice.
Put Differently: It began smoothly. / Things started well.
6. Run out of steam
Meaning: To lose energy or interest.
Example: I ran out of steam while cleaning my room. / She ran out of steam before finishing her essay.
Put Differently: I got too tired to keep going. / She stopped because she was worn out.
7. Run circles around
Meaning: Be much better or faster than someone else.
Example: She runs circles around me in spelling. / He ran circles around the other players.
Put Differently: She’s a lot better. / He’s much faster.
8. Run like the wind
Meaning: Run very fast.
Example: Jack runs like the wind on the track. / She ran like the wind to catch the bus.
Put Differently: He is super fast. / She ran really quickly.
9. A running start
Meaning: A helpful beginning or head start.
Example: The team got a running start on their project. / I had a running start on my homework.
Put Differently: We got ahead early. / I started before others.
10. Up and running
Meaning: Working or active again.
Example: The printer is up and running now. / My tablet is up and running after charging.
Put Differently: It’s working again. / It’s ready to use.
11. Run for it
Meaning: Escape or move quickly.
Example: We had to run for it when it started raining. / He saw the ice cream truck and ran for it.
Put Differently: We ran fast to get away. / He rushed over quickly.
12. Make a run for it
Meaning: Try to escape or reach something quickly.
Example: I made a run for it when the bell rang. / They made a run for the swings.
Put Differently: I dashed out fast. / They hurried to the playground.
13. Run the show
Meaning: Be the leader or in charge.
Example: Ms. Garcia runs the show at the art club. / He ran the show during the group project.
Put Differently: She’s the boss. / He took the lead.
14. In full stride
Meaning: Doing something smoothly and well.
Example: She was in full stride with her reading goals. / He’s in full stride with his drawings.
Put Differently: She’s doing great. / He’s working really well.
15. Run wild
Meaning: Act without control.
Example: The kids ran wild at recess. / The puppy ran wild in the backyard.
Put Differently: They were out of control. / The dog was too playful.
16. Run into trouble
Meaning: Face a problem.
Example: I ran into trouble with my math homework. / We ran into trouble during the game.
Put Differently: I had a hard time. / We hit a problem.
17. Run the risk
Meaning: Take a chance that something bad might happen.
Example: If you don’t study, you run the risk of failing. / He ran the risk by waiting too long.
Put Differently: You might get into trouble. / He took a chance.
18. Let it run its course
Meaning: Let something happen naturally.
Example: The teacher let the story discussion run its course. / I let my cold run its course.
Put Differently: She didn’t stop it. / I waited for it to end.
19. Run deep
Meaning: Be strong or serious.
Example: Her love for animals runs deep. / His worry about the test runs deep.
Put Differently: She cares a lot. / He’s really nervous.
20. Run through
Meaning: Practice or review.
Example: Let’s run through our lines before the play. / I ran through the flashcards.
Put Differently: Practice it again. / Go over it once more.
21. Run short
Meaning: Not have enough of something.
Example: We ran short on glue for the art project. / I ran short on time before the quiz.
Put Differently: We didn’t have enough. / I needed more time.
22. Run late
Meaning: Be behind schedule.
Example: I ran late for class. / The bus ran late today.
Put Differently: I didn’t arrive on time. / It was delayed.
23. Run smooth
Meaning: Go well without problems.
Example: The group project ran smooth. / The trip ran smooth and everyone had fun.
Put Differently: Everything went well. / There were no problems.
24. Run a tight ship
Meaning: Keep things in order.
Example: Our teacher runs a tight ship. / Mom runs a tight ship at home.
Put Differently: She keeps things neat and under control. / Everything is organized.
25. Run out the clock
Meaning: Use up all the time.
Example: The team ran out the clock to win. / I ran out the clock while cleaning.
Put Differently: They used all the time left. / I kept busy until time was up.
26. On the run
Meaning: Always busy or moving.
Example: I’ve been on the run since morning. / She’s always on the run with her sports.
Put Differently: I’m super busy. / She’s always moving.
27. Run it by me
Meaning: Explain it to me again.
Example: Can you run that by me one more time? / I didn’t catch it, run it by me again.
Put Differently: Say it again. / Tell me once more.
28. Get a good run
Meaning: Have a good amount of time or success.
Example: I got a good run at the spelling bee. / He had a good run in the school play.
Put Differently: I did well for a while. / He had a nice time doing it.
29. Run like clockwork
Meaning: Go perfectly on time.
Example: Our field trip ran like clockwork. / The talent show ran like clockwork.
Put Differently: Everything went perfectly. / No delays or problems.
30. Run dry
Meaning: Run out of ideas or supplies.
Example: I ran dry of ideas for my story. / The markers ran dry.
Put Differently: I couldn’t think of anything else. / The ink was gone.
31. Run your mouth
Meaning: Talk too much or say things you shouldn’t.
Example: He got in trouble for running his mouth. / Don’t run your mouth during quiet time.
Put Differently: He talked too much. / She said too much at the wrong time.
32. Run cold
Meaning: Show no emotion or care.
Example: His answer ran cold when I asked for help. / She ran cold after hearing the news.
Put Differently: He didn’t show feeling. / She didn’t react much.
33. Run with it
Meaning: Take an idea and go forward with it.
Example: I had an idea for our game and the group ran with it. / She ran with her story plan.
Put Differently: They used the idea quickly. / She started working on it right away.
34. Run ragged
Meaning: Feel very tired from too much activity.
Example: I was run ragged after helping with the school fair. / He looked run ragged from soccer practice.
Put Differently: I was worn out. / He was super tired.
35. Long run
Meaning: Over a long time.
Example: In the long run, practice makes you better. / It might be hard now, but in the long run, it’s worth it.
Put Differently: Later, it will help. / Over time, it matters.
36. Run amok
Meaning: Behave wildly or without control.
Example: The kids ran amok after the bell. / The dog ran amok in the park.
Put Differently: They went wild. / The pet was out of control.
37. Run the numbers
Meaning: Do the math or check details.
Example: Let’s run the numbers for our fundraiser. / We ran the numbers before shopping.
Put Differently: Let’s check the math. / We figured it out.
38. Run its course
Meaning: Finish naturally or completely.
Example: The rain will run its course soon. / The story ran its course and ended well.
Put Differently: It will stop on its own. / It finished in time.
39. Run hot
Meaning: Be full of strong feelings, often anger.
Example: He ran hot during the argument. / The room ran hot with loud voices.
Put Differently: He got very angry. / Everyone was upset.
40. Run a mile
Meaning: Avoid something quickly.
Example: She ran a mile from cleaning her room. / He’d run a mile from doing chores.
Put Differently: She avoided it fast. / He didn’t want to do it at all.
“Rewrite the Sentence” Activity: Metaphors for Running
Rewrite each sentence using one of the idioms about running.
Sentences to Rewrite
- I was very tired after gym class.
- We started our group project with lots of energy.
- Lucy didn’t want to help clean up.
- Sam is better than everyone in the race.
- My ideas are gone can’t think of what to write next.
- We’re almost done with our art project.
- My sister was wild at the birthday party.
- Jackson is always busy doing something.
- I was the leader of our science group.
- After walking all over the zoo, I felt super tired.
Answer Key
- I was running on empty after gym class.
- We hit the ground running on our group project.
- Lucy ran a mile from cleaning up.
- Sam runs circles around everyone in the race.
- I ran dry of ideas for my story.
- We’re in the home stretch of our art project.
- My sister ran amok at the birthday party.
- Jackson is always on the run.
- I ran the show in our science group.
- I was run ragged after walking all over the zoo.
Conclusion
Metaphors and idioms help us talk about running in fun ways. They show more than just speed. They help us explain feelings, effort, and situations.
By using these phrases, you can make your writing and speaking more interesting. Try using them when you tell stories or share ideas. It makes things easier to understand and more fun to hear. Keep practicing, and soon these idioms will come naturally.
