Running is a big part of life in the USA. People run for health, fun, or even competition. But sometimes, we use the word “running” to describe more than just moving fast on our feet. Writers and speakers in America often use metaphors to show feelings, actions, or life situations. These metaphors help people better understand what someone is going through without needing a long explanation.
In this article, we’ll explore many metaphors about running. These aren’t just about sports—they can describe things like rushing through life, escaping problems, or chasing dreams. Whether you’re a runner or not, these expressions can help make everyday talk more fun and easier to understand. Let’s take a look at how Americans use “running” in creative ways.
Metaphors About Running
1. Running on Empty
Meaning: Feeling tired with no energy left
Example Sentence:
– After the long school day, I was running on empty.
– Mom looked like she was running on empty after work.
Other ways to say: Worn out, out of gas
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from cars when their fuel tank is nearly dry.
Usage: Used when someone is very tired but keeps going.
2. Running a Marathon
Meaning: Doing something hard that takes a long time
Example Sentence:
– Studying for the final test felt like running a marathon.
– Cleaning the garage was like running a marathon for Dad.
Other ways to say: Long effort, slow and steady work
Fun Fact/Origin: A marathon is a 26.2-mile race.
Usage: Used to talk about big tasks that need patience.
3. Running Wild
Meaning: Acting out of control
Example Sentence:
– The kids were running wild at the birthday party.
– Our dog runs wild at the park.
Other ways to say: Out of control, going crazy
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used to describe animals in nature.
Usage: Used when someone acts wild or doesn’t follow rules.
4. Time is Running Out
Meaning: There’s not much time left
Example Sentence:
– Hurry up, time is running out to turn in your homework.
– Time was running out before the pizza sale ended.
Other ways to say: Almost out of time, running short
Fun Fact/Origin: Time is seen like sand in an hourglass.
Usage: Used when a deadline is close.
5. Running in Circles
Meaning: Doing a lot but not getting anywhere
Example Sentence:
– I was running in circles trying to find my keys.
– We were running in circles with that hard puzzle.
Other ways to say: Going nowhere, stuck in a loop
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how animals chase their tails.
Usage: Used when someone is busy but not finishing anything.
6. Running the Show
Meaning: Being in charge
Example Sentence:
– My sister ran the show during the class play.
– Dad runs the show at home on weekends.
Other ways to say: In control, calling the shots
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from stage plays where someone controls everything.
Usage: Used when someone is leading a group or task.
7. Letting Your Mind Run
Meaning: Thinking about many things at once
Example Sentence:
– My mind was running when I couldn’t sleep.
– She let her mind run while drawing.
Other ways to say: Daydreaming, overthinking
Fun Fact/Origin: This shows how thoughts can race like feet.
Usage: Used when someone is deep in thought or distracted.
8. Running Scared
Meaning: Acting from fear
Example Sentence:
– He was running scared when the dog barked.
– Don’t run scared—stand up for yourself.
Other ways to say: Afraid, panicking
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from animals fleeing danger.
Usage: Used when someone is afraid of a situation or person.
9. Running Behind
Meaning: Being late
Example Sentence:
– We’re running behind—we need to leave now.
– The bus is running behind today.
Other ways to say: Delayed, not on time
Fun Fact/Origin: This shows that time is ahead and you’re trying to catch up.
Usage: Used when someone is late for something.
10. Running Away with Ideas
Meaning: Letting imagination take over
Example Sentence:
– He ran away with the idea of building a robot.
– Her mind runs away with stories when she writes.
Other ways to say: Dream big, go wild with thoughts
Fun Fact/Origin: Shows how thoughts can escape like feet.
Usage: Used when someone imagines fun or crazy things.
11. Running Out of Steam
Meaning: Losing energy or excitement
Example Sentence:
– We were running out of steam during the hike.
– He ran out of steam near the end of the school project.
Other ways to say: Getting tired, losing power
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from old steam trains that stopped when out of steam.
Usage: Used when someone slows down after starting strong.
12. Running Against the Clock
Meaning: Trying to beat time
Example Sentence:
– She was running against the clock to finish the test.
– We ran against the clock to clean before guests arrived.
Other ways to say: Racing time, in a hurry
Fun Fact/Origin: Shows how people feel pressure from time.
Usage: Used during rushed tasks or deadlines.
13. Running a Tight Ship
Meaning: Managing things well and strictly
Example Sentence:
– Our teacher runs a tight ship in class.
– Grandma runs a tight ship in her kitchen.
Other ways to say: Very organized, strict
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from ships where everything must be in order.
Usage: Used when someone is firm and keeps control.
14. Running from Problems
Meaning: Avoiding hard things
Example Sentence:
– Don’t run from your problems—face them.
– He was running from his math homework.
Other ways to say: Avoiding, hiding
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s like trying to escape troubles instead of fixing them.
Usage: Used when someone tries not to deal with something.
15. Running Through Thoughts
Meaning: Thinking quickly about many things
Example Sentence:
– A lot was running through her mind before the test.
– He had memories running through his head.
Other ways to say: Thinking fast, recalling
Fun Fact/Origin: Thoughts can move fast like someone running.
Usage: Used during stressful or emotional moments.
16. Running Hot and Cold
Meaning: Changing feelings often
Example Sentence:
– He runs hot and cold about soccer.
– She runs hot and cold when choosing clothes.
Other ways to say: Can’t decide, changes mind
Fun Fact/Origin: From how water can change from hot to cold.
Usage: Used for people who switch moods or choices a lot.
17. Running Like the Wind
Meaning: Running very fast
Example Sentence:
– He ran like the wind to catch the bus.
– The dog ran like the wind across the yard.
Other ways to say: Super fast, speedy
Fun Fact/Origin: Wind moves quickly, just like this phrase suggests.
Usage: Used to describe fast movement.
18. Running in the Family
Meaning: A trait shared by family members
Example Sentence:
– Blue eyes run in our family.
– Being good at singing runs in her family.
Other ways to say: Passed down, inherited
Fun Fact/Origin: Shows how traits move through generations.
Usage: Used for shared family skills or looks.
19. Running into Trouble
Meaning: Getting into a problem
Example Sentence:
– He ran into trouble for being late.
– We ran into trouble with our science project.
Other ways to say: Got in trouble, faced problems
Fun Fact/Origin: It means hitting a problem while doing something.
Usage: Used when something goes wrong suddenly.
20. Running a Risk
Meaning: Taking a chance
Example Sentence:
– You run a risk by not wearing a helmet.
– She ran a risk of sneaking candy before dinner.
Other ways to say: Taking a chance, risking it
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in safety and health talks.
Usage: Used when someone might get in danger or trouble.
21. Running with an Idea
Meaning: Taking an idea and using it quickly
Example Sentence:
– She ran with the idea to start a lemonade stand.
– He ran with the story and made it into a comic.
Other ways to say: Go with it, take off with an idea
Fun Fact/Origin: From sports, where someone runs after getting the ball.
Usage: Used when someone takes an idea and acts fast.
22. Running Low
Meaning: Having very little left
Example Sentence:
– We’re running low on snacks.
– My tablet is running low on battery.
Other ways to say: Almost gone, nearly empty
Fun Fact/Origin: Used often with fuel, food, or money.
Usage: Used when supplies or energy are getting used up.
23. Running Through the Motions
Meaning: Doing something without care
Example Sentence:
– He was running through the motions during practice.
– She ran through the motions of setting the table.
Other ways to say: Doing it halfway, just going along
Fun Fact/Origin: Like acting without meaning.
Usage: Used when someone isn’t putting in effort.
24. Running the Numbers
Meaning: Checking facts or math
Example Sentence:
– He ran the numbers to see if he had enough money.
– Let’s run the numbers before we buy the tickets.
Other ways to say: Do the math, double-check
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in business and money talks.
Usage: Used when figuring out details or totals.
25. Running Ragged
Meaning: Feeling very tired from doing too much
Example Sentence:
– Mom’s been running ragged this week.
– We ran ourselves ragged getting ready for the party.
Other ways to say: Worn out, drained
Fun Fact/Origin: Like a cloth that’s torn from overuse.
Usage: Used when someone is very tired from busy days.
26. Running a Red Light
Meaning: Breaking a rule
Example Sentence:
– He ran a red light and got a ticket.
– Don’t run red lights when playing a game.
Other ways to say: Disobey, break the rule
Fun Fact/Origin: From driving through a stoplight
Usage: Used when someone skips a warning or rule.
27. Running a Fever
Meaning: Having a high body temperature
Example Sentence:
– She stayed home because she was running a fever.
– He ran a fever all night.
Other ways to say: Has a fever, feeling sick
Fun Fact/Origin: Used often by parents and doctors
Usage: Used to describe illness or feeling hot.
28. Running Deep
Meaning: Strong feelings or beliefs
Example Sentence:
– Their love for each other runs deep.
– His anger ran deep after the fight.
Other ways to say: Strong, serious
Fun Fact/Origin: Like a deep river that isn’t seen from the surface
Usage: Used when emotions or ideas are strong and lasting.
29. Running Amok
Meaning: Acting wild or out of control
Example Sentence:
– The dog ran amok in the backyard.
– Kids ran amok when the teacher left the room.
Other ways to say: Running wild, going crazy
Fun Fact/Origin: The word “amok” comes from old languages in Asia.
Usage: Used when someone or something goes wild.
30. Running a Mile
Meaning: Trying to avoid something quickly
Example Sentence:
– He ran a mile when she talked about spiders.
– I’d run a mile to avoid broccoli.
Other ways to say: Run away, avoid fast
Fun Fact/Origin: People often use this for silly fears
Usage: Used when someone avoids things fast.
31. Running Off at the Mouth
Meaning: Talking too much or without thinking
Example Sentence:
– He ran off at the mouth during dinner.
– She always runs off at the mouth in class.
Other ways to say: Talking too much, blurting out
Fun Fact/Origin: Like a machine that won’t stop
Usage: Used when someone talks without pause or filter.
32. Running a Tab
Meaning: Keeping track of costs to pay later
Example Sentence:
– They ran a tab at the pizza shop.
– The café lets you run a tab if you’re a regular.
Other ways to say: Pay later, charge now
Fun Fact/Origin: Used often in diners or small stores
Usage: Used when money is not paid right away.
33. Running the Gamut
Meaning: Covering a full range
Example Sentence:
– Her feelings ran the gamut from joy to sadness.
– The movie ran the gamut of every emotion.
Other ways to say: Covered everything, all kinds
Fun Fact/Origin: “Gamut” means a full music scale
Usage: Used to describe lots of changes or variety.
34. Running the Risk
Meaning: Doing something that might be dangerous
Example Sentence:
– She ran the risk of losing the game.
– He ran the risk of getting grounded.
Other ways to say: Taking a chance, could get in trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: From danger and safety terms
Usage: Used when people take chances.
35. Running Cold
Meaning: Not working or losing interest
Example Sentence:
– My phone ran cold and shut off.
– He ran cold after hearing the bad news.
Other ways to say: Lost feeling, not working
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how machines lose power
Usage: Used when energy or interest fades.
36. Running Hot
Meaning: Full of energy or strong emotions
Example Sentence:
– He ran hot during the game.
– She ran hot after hearing the news.
Other ways to say: Fired up, emotional
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used with cars or people
Usage: Used for strong feelings or high energy.
37. Running Flat Out
Meaning: Going as fast as possible
Example Sentence:
– They were running flat out to catch the bus.
– She ran flat out in the race.
Other ways to say: At full speed, as fast as you can
Fun Fact/Origin: From racing sports
Usage: Used when giving full effort.
38. Running for Cover
Meaning: Trying to hide or stay safe
Example Sentence:
– The kids ran for cover when it started raining.
– We ran for cover when the sprinklers turned on.
Other ways to say: Hide, protect yourself
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in weather or action scenes
Usage: Used when escaping danger or mess.
39. Running Short
Meaning: Not having enough
Example Sentence:
– We’re running short on paper towels.
– She ran short on time before the test.
Other ways to say: Low supply, almost gone
Fun Fact/Origin: Used a lot in stores and cooking
Usage: Used when something is about to run out.
40. Running on Fumes
Meaning: Almost out of energy
Example Sentence:
– He was running on fumes after soccer.
– We were running on fumes during the long road trip.
Other ways to say: Nearly done, super tired
Fun Fact/Origin: From cars using the last bit of gas
Usage: Used when someone is barely keeping up.
41. Running with the Wrong Crowd
Meaning: Spending time with bad influences
Example Sentence:
– He got in trouble from running with the wrong crowd.
– Parents worry when kids run with the wrong crowd.
Other ways to say: Hanging with bad friends, bad group
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from crime or trouble groups
Usage: Used when someone joins a bad group.
42. Running Dry
Meaning: Having nothing left
Example Sentence:
– The lake ran dry during the summer.
– Our ideas ran dry while writing stories.
Other ways to say: Empty, out of ideas
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from rivers or supplies
Usage: Used when something is used up.
43. Running Through the Woods
Meaning: Going quickly and freely
Example Sentence:
– She felt free, running through the woods.
– The dog was happy, running through the woods.
Other ways to say: Free running, wild run
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in nature or stories
Usage: Used to show freedom or escape.
44. Running Late
Meaning: Not on time
Example Sentence:
– I’m running late for practice.
– The train is running late today.
Other ways to say: Behind schedule, not on time
Fun Fact/Origin: Used a lot in daily life
Usage: Used when someone is not arriving on time.
45. Running Your Mouth
Meaning: Talking too much
Example Sentence:
– Stop running your mouth during class.
– He got in trouble for running his mouth.
Other ways to say: Blabbing, talking non-stop
Fun Fact/Origin: Slang term often used by teens
Usage: Used when someone talks too much or says rude things.
Quiz: Metaphors About Running
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each metaphor. Each question has only one correct answer.
Question Key
1. What does “running on empty” mean?
A) Drinking water quickly
B) Having no energy left
C) Running in a race
2. If someone is “running behind,” what does it mean?
A) They are leading a team
B) They are late
C) They are running backwards
3. What does “running in circles” describe?
A) Spinning for fun
B) Going around the track
C) Doing a lot without getting results
4. If you’re “running a fever,” what does it mean?
A) You’re sick with a high temperature
B) You’re running outside in warm weather
C) You’re excited for summer
5. What does “running wild” mean?
A) Having fun outside
B) Acting out of control
C) Running in nature
6. If someone is “running from problems,” what are they doing?
A) Solving their problems
B) Avoiding their problems
C) Running with friends
7. What does “running the show” mean?
A) Watching a TV show
B) Running in a play
C) Being in charge
8. What does “time is running out” mean?
A) The clock is broken
B) There is not much time left
C) It’s time to run
9. If someone is “running low,” what does that mean?
A) They are crouching
B) They are short on supplies
C) They are running quietly
10. What does “running with an idea” mean?
A) Ignoring an idea
B) Running away from school
C) Taking an idea and acting on it
11. If someone “ran a red light,” what did they do?
A) Painted the traffic light
B) Followed all the rules
C) Broke a rule or law
12. What does “running ragged” describe?
A) Being very tired
B) Wearing old clothes
C) Running to school
13. If someone is “running their mouth,” what are they doing?
A) Whispering
B) Talking too much
C) Eating
14. What does “running short” mean?
A) Being tall
B) Not having enough
C) Wearing short pants
15. What does “running hot and cold” describe?
A) Changing feelings a lot
B) Changing clothes
C) Running in the snow
16. If someone is “running for cover,” what are they doing?
A) Playing tag
B) Hiding for safety
C) Looking for blankets
17. What does “running on fumes” mean?
A) Flying a plane
B) Having no gas
C) Being very tired but still going
Answer Key
- B – Having no energy left
- B – They are late
- C – Doing a lot without getting results
- A – You’re sick with a high temperature
- B – Acting out of control
- B – Avoiding their problems
- C – Being in charge
- B – There is not much time left
- B – They are short on supplies
- C – Taking an idea and acting on it
- C – Broke a rule or law
- A – Being very tired
- B – Talking too much
- B – Not having enough
- A – Changing feelings a lot
- B – Hiding for safety
- C – Being very tired but still going
Wrapping Up
Running metaphors are used a lot in the USA. They don’t just talk about moving fast. They show feelings, ideas, and actions in a way that’s easy to picture. From being “out of steam” to “running the show,” these sayings help people explain things quickly and clearly.
Learning these will help you talk and write better. You’ll understand what others mean, and your own words will sound more real and fun.
