eat and run

Idioms

Depart immediately after consuming a meal; also, leave in a hurry. For example, Sorry, but I'll have to eat and run or I'll miss the last train, or Jim runs a meeting so efficiently that in effect it's eat and run. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

We were all brought up to believe that if you attend an event, then you stay for the event, not eat and run.

From Washington Post • Jan. 6, 2021

The restaurant was also occasionally blighted by people who would eat and run, known as "khasrah kastomar" - troublesome customer - by the staff.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2018

“I’m not bothered if people just want to eat and run and don’t want any religion,” Kelly said.

From Washington Times • Aug. 23, 2014

“You can sit down and relax and talk and not just eat and run out the door.”

From New York Times • Nov. 23, 2012

“Sorry to eat and run, but I’ve got to work at four and I need to do some stuff at home first.”

From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023