run-in

[ruhn-in]

noun

1. a quarrel; argument.

2. Printing.,  matter that is added to a text, especially without indenting for a new paragraph.

adjective

1. Printing.,  added to a text without indenting.

run in

verb

1. to run (an engine) gently, usually for a specified period when it is new, in order that the running surfaces may become polished

2. (tr) to insert or include

3. (intr) (of an aircraft) to approach a point or target

4. informal,  (tr) to take into custody; arrest

   he was run in for assault

noun

1. informal,  an argument or quarrel

   he had a run-in with the boss yesterday

2. an approach to the end of an event, etc

   the run-in to the championship

3. printing matter inserted in an existing paragraph

Word History and Origins

Origin of run-in¹

First recorded in 1900–05; noun, adj. use of verb phrase run in

Idioms and Phrases

Insert or include something extra, as in Can you run this map in with the text? [Early 1800s]

Also, run on . In printing, make a solid body of text without a paragraph or other break, as in The quotation should be run in rather than set as a paragraph .

Also, run someone in . Take someone into custody, as in The police were going to run him in, but he got away . [ Slang ; mid-1800s]

Visit someone briefly, as in If I have time, I'll run in to see Aunt Mary . [Second half of 1800s]

Break something or someone in, as in Let's run in the new model on a short flight . [Early 1900s] Also see run into .