run

on the run

1 trying to avoid being captured.

2 continuously active and busy.

give someone or something a (good) run for their money provide someone or something with challenging competition or opposition.

2013The Stage The slapstick fun of Dromgoole's production gives Noises Off a run for its money in terms of comic inventiveness.

have a (good) run for your money derive reward or enjoyment in return for your outlay or efforts.

(try to) run before you can walk attempt something difficult before you have grasped the basic skills required.

(make a) run for it attempt to escape someone or something by running away.

run something past someone mention something to someone as a suggestion, to elicit their views on it. informal

2003Robert X. CringelyI, Cringely The business I am about to describe has not been legally tested. I have run it past a few lawyer friends of mine, but a true legal test can only be done in the courts.

☞ For other idioms containing run, see the entry for the main word in the idiom (for example, run riot at riot).