14 Phrasal Verbs and Idioms With "Run"
Adding simple prepositions to many verbs will change them into phrasal verbs, which let you talk about many different topics with only basic vocabulary.
In this article, we'll explore some useful phrasal verbs and idioms using "run." Let's go!
Phrasal Verbs With “Run”
Run low on ~
When your supply of an item or resource is almost gone, you're "running low on it." You can use this phrasal verb to talk about both literal and figurative things.
We're running low on gas, so let's stop at the next gas station we see.
Our client is running low on patience; we need to finish this project soon.
Run out of ~
If a resource is completely gone and there's no more of it, you've "run out" of it.
I ran out of time before I could answer every question on the test.
Make sure you have your credit cards in case you run out of cash.
Run across
When you "run across" something, you notice it even though you weren't searching for it.
I was shopping for pants, but I ran across some nice shirts for a good price.
Run by/past (someone)
You "run something by" (or "past") someone when you ask for their opinion or to get their approval.
We need to run this by our manager before we can approve the project.
If I want to make a big purchase, I always run it by my wife first.
Run into
Meaning 1: to meet someone by chance or without a plan
I ran into an old friend from high school this afternoon. We haven't seen each other in years!
Meaning 2: to hit, to collide with
The car lost control and ran into a pole on the side of the road.
Run along
"Run along" is used in the imperative form to tell someone to leave.
Note that this is normally only said to children; saying it to an adult would be very rude.
Run along and play outside, kids. We'll come get you when it's time to go.
Run around with
This casual phrasal verb means "to hang out with" or "to spend time with." It often has a negative nuance.
I'm worried about the kids my son is running around with after school.
Run off
Someone "runs off" when they leave quickly or suddenly.
A
Where's Connie?
B
She ran off a few minutes ago. She said she was late for a meeting.
Other Common Expressions With “Run”
Run down
"Run down" is an adjective that means "in poor condition."
We bought a run down house for really cheap. If we work hard, we can turn it into a great place to live.
You can also use this expression to talk about people who are exhausted or stressed.
Meg had been feeling run down for weeks, so she decided to take a vacation to relax.
On the run
Someone "on the run" is trying to avoid being captured by police or other authorities!
The bank robbers were finally caught after being on the run for several weeks.
Run errands
An errand is a small job or task; think of it like a chore you must leave your home to do. However, instead of saying "do errands," we say "run errands."
I have to run a few errands this afternoon, but I'll be free later.
Run one’s mouth
This expression is a negative way to refer to someone who talks too much. For example, you might say that someone who often gossips is "running their mouth."
Jackie's always running her mouth and spreading rumors about people. I wish she'd shut up!
This is similar to the expression "big mouth," which is a noun.
Run something into the ground
This phrase refers to leading or controlling something in a way that leads to its destruction.
The CEO was pressured to resign after his controversial decisions ran the company into the ground.
Runaway success
Something that becomes very successful very quickly is said to be a "runaway success."
The animated film KPop Demon Hunters became a runaway success when it was released in June 2025.
Wrap-up
If this article was helpful for you, we have good news: There are many more just like it! For more useful phrasal verbs, check out this post.
Finally, don't forget to book a 25-minute English lesson with an Engoo tutor to try these expressions in a real conversation!
