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on the run

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ɑːn ðə ˈrʌn/ · UK /ɒn ðə ˈrʌn/

on the run means: Trying to avoid being caught, especially by the police.

phrase

ESCAPINGB2

Trying to avoid being caught, especially by the police.

  • The thief is on the run.
  • She spent months on the run from the police.
  • Are the escaped prisoners still on the run?

How to use it: on the run from someone (He is on the run from the police.)

Similar words: at large, fleeing

Opposites: captured

Common phrases: be on the run, on the run from

ALWAYS MOVINGB2

Always busy and moving between places or activities.

  • I am always on the run.
  • She eats lunch on the run between meetings.
  • With three children, we were on the run all weekend.

Similar words: on the go

Common phrases: always on the run, eat on the run

LOSING GROUNDC1

Under pressure and being forced to give up your position or plans.

  • Their opponents are on the run.
  • The scandal put the government on the run.
  • Our strong campaign has the rival team on the run.

How to use it: have someone on the run (The latest revelations have the minister on the run.)

Similar words: on the defensive, in retreat

Common phrases: have someone on the run, on the run politically

SKI SLOPEB2

On a particular route down a slope used for skiing.

  • There is ice on the run.
  • We saw several skiers on the run below us.
  • Was anyone still on the run when the lift closed?

Similar words: on the slope, on the piste

Common phrases: on the run below, on the run ahead

Questions about on the run

What does on the run mean?

Trying to avoid being caught, especially by the police.

What is on the run in other languages?

Türkçe: kaçak · Español: a la fuga · Français: en fuite · Deutsch: auf der Flucht · Italiano: in fuga · 日本語: 逃走中

How do you pronounce on the run?

In American English /ɑːn ðə ˈrʌn/; in British English /ɒn ðə ˈrʌn/.

How do you use on the run in a sentence?

The thief is on the run. She spent months on the run from the police.

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on the run in other languages

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