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3. on the run

on the run

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on the run

 

1. Fig. while one is moving from place to place. I will try to pick up some aspirin today on the run. I will think about it on the run.

2. Fig. running from the police. Richard is on the run from the cops. The gang of crooks is on the run.

See also: on, run

on the run

1. avoiding being found A very dangerous man was on the run last night after escaping from prison.

Usage notes: usually refers to avoiding the police

Related vocabulary: on the lam

2. at a disadvantage The mayor is on the run in this campaign and may even lose the election. Competition from catalog businesses has department stores on the run.

3. while busy doing something else He eats on the run, grabbing a sandwich in his car.

See also: on, run

on the run

1. In rapid retreat; also, attempting to escape from pursuers. For example, The guerrillas were on the run after the ambush, or The burglars were on the run from the police. [Early 1800s]

2. Hurrying from place to place, as in The company officers were always on the run from New York to Los Angeles and back. [Late 1800s]

See also: on, run

on the run

1. mod. while one is moving from place to place. I will try to get some aspirin today on the run.

2. mod. running from the police. Shorty is on the run from the cops.

See also: on, run