rat run

rat run

A minor roadway, usually one that passes through a residential area, that is used as a bypass for drivers who wish to avoid traffic on larger roads or motorways. The road works over on Broadway have made our street into a rat run, so be sure to keep a close eye on your kids with all these cars zipping by.
See also: rat, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • if wishes were horses, (then) beggars might ride
  • if wishes were horses, beggars would/might ride
  • If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride
  • if wishes were horses, (then) beggars would ride
  • if wishes were horses, beggars would ride
  • Don’t you wish!
  • don't you wish
  • Don't you wish!
  • wish on
  • wish on (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
Campaigners have been invited to meet council officers to set out their case for installing speed cameras on a "rat run" road.
Controversial changes to a set of Coventry roads have been altered by the council over fears a 'rat run' could be created.
ROAD safety measures are being introduced at a village where hundreds of drivers are using the streets as a rat run during rush hour.
"Stop using our village as a rat run" - Anger as hundreds use West Allotment to beat traffic
Controversial changes to a set of Coventry roads have been altered by the council after fears were sparked a 'rat run' could be created.
SPEED humps have been installed in Loughborough's High Street in a bid to deter motorists using the road as a rat run.
"EXTREMELY angry" families who claim large lorries are using their streets as a rat run have demanded urgent action to stop the worrying menace.
When he is asked to help the Jewish community with a spate of burglaries, Brodie uncovers links to murder, Nazi gold and a rumoured rat run running through the post-war Glasgow for escaping Nazis.
DRIVERS are being asked not to use the University Hospital of Wales site as a "rat run" during rush hour.
"Cumberworth Lane and Carr Hill Road are used as a rat run for people because they want to avoid the main junction.
THERE have been a number of letters recently regarding the problems caused by traffic using Church Lane and St Mary's Walk in Acklam as a rat run.
On one shoot, my Dad was behind us, spotting, when M2-guy saw a rat run up the trash pile Dad was on.
Many years ago, I lived in a residential area and our road was used as a "rat run" to avoid pedestrian crossings and traffic lights on the main road.
STUNNED Kentucky Fried Chicken diners told yesterday how they watched a huge rat run out of the kitchen and under their feet.
A COVENTRY road is set to be boosted by a PS100,000 safety scheme following fears it is being used as a rat run by students.