on the run
Idioms-
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]
-
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]
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.
She says her ex-husband is on the run and the court case remains open.
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
The country's former deputy prime minister is on the run.
From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026
Karol Kelly's sister had said the family felt "let down" by the justice system after learning that he was on the run.
From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026
He amassed a fortune, much of it held in cryptocurrency, U.S. court records show, and lived a life of luxury while on the run, sometimes hiding in plain sight.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026
Our friend Deng was going there, but Nyanriak was worn out from being on the run with so many children, so she decided to go to the closer camp.
From "Lost Boy, Lost Girl" by John Bul Dau
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
