run against

run against (someone or something)

1. To compete against someone or something. Their phone design is a really excellent alternative to the two predominant operating systems, but I don't know how they'll be able to run against such massive corporations. He's actually running against an old high school buddy in the election for mayor.
2. To oppose, contravene, or work against someone or something. The former CEO's actions run against everything this company stands for. The governor's newest policy is running against a large portion of voters who put him into office.
See also: run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

run against someone

to compete against someone for elective office. Eisenhower ran against Adlai Stevenson in 1952. Not many people run against an incumbent.
See also: run
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

run against

1. Also, run up against or run into. Encounter something, especially a difficulty, unexpectedly. For example, We didn't know we'd run up against so much opposition, or He ran into trouble with his taxes. [Late 1300s]
2. Work against, as in Public sentiment ran against her. [Late 1300s]
3. Oppose for elective office, as in Susan decided to run against a very popular incumbent. This usage is a figurative application of running in a footrace. [First half of 1800s]
See also: run
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

run against

v.
1. To work against something or someone; oppose something or someone: The company's policies are running against public opinion.
2. To compete with someone for an elected position: I plan to run against my old rival in the election.
3. To encounter some unexpected obstacle: The contractor ran against some difficulties in trying to complete the project.
See also: run
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • run against (someone or something)
  • excellent
  • Excellent!
  • a real dilly
  • dilly
  • corker
  • (someone or something) rules
  • there are other pebbles on the beach
  • there are plenty more fish in the sea
  • there are plenty more pebbles on the beach
References in periodicals archive
RTE pundit Colm O'Rourke is not included in the betting after publicly stating that he will not run against Boylan.
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Giddings, for example, would have had to run against another black incumbent.
How will redistricting affect you? politicians try to ensure all areas get a fair split. (Washington Report)
The paper reported that Lanier is recruiting a candidate to run against Hancock, a judge in the 113th District Court.
Bill Lifting IRS Ban On Church Politicking Gets Push In House
To demonstrate the IAFIS latent print search technique, the FBI encouraged law enforcement representatives who attended the July 2000 International Association of Identification (IAI) meeting in Charleston, West Virginia, to bring with them any latent fingerprint evidence from unsolved cases so that the prints could be run against the FBI's criminal database of 4l million entries for a match.
Unsolved Case Fingerprint Matching
Increasingly, you are being asked to exercise skills that run against the grain of your training.
Ohio lawmakers approve massive managed care bill. (Short Takes: News at Deadline)
The donees also contended that because the limitations period had run against the donors and the donors had paid the tax due, pursuant to Sec.
SOL for assessing gift tax extended
Vico will run against re-electionist Pasig City Mayor Robert Eusebio.
Vico Sotto eyes Pasig mayoralty post to end reign of Eusebios
Among the topics discussed: his support for Donald Trump, the case against Hillary Clinton, Russian hacking, Mosul, Aleppo, and whether he plans to run against Ted Cruz.
Video: A conversation with Michael McCaul (video)
Andrew Cuomo likes Ceretto, and his frequent support of his initiatives, and handed down a message to Democrats to not to seek a candidate to run against him.
Cole out?
"There's this word out there that actress Ashley Judd wants to run against Mitch McConnel, or people say, alternatively, that she'll wait and run against you.
Ashley Judd For Kentucky Senator Gets A 'No' From Rand Paul, 'She's Way Damn Too Liberal' [AUDIO]
After a rally at the South Hills Country Club in Franksvilles, asked Republicans to 'pick any other Republican in the country' than Romney, based on issues that make the former Massachusetts governor 'uniquely disqualified' to run against Obama, CBS News reports.
Santorum calls Romney 'worst Republican' to face Obama
Summary: Arsenal have ended their five-match losing run against Chelsea with a stunning victory at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal 3 Chelsea 1
Several Republicans have taken out nomination papers to run against U.S.
GOP targets congressional seats
"I can't wait to run against Curlin," said Big Brown co-owner Michael Iavarone.
Big Brown team challenge Curlin to Breeders' duel; INTERNATIONAL
Jaynee Germond, a Lookingglass resident and member of the Constitution Party of Oregon, said she will run against DeFazio.
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