run interference

Idioms  

1. Handle problems or help clear the way for another, as in The press secretary runs interference for the governor. This term comes from football, where it refers to the blocking of defensive players by offensive players to let the ball carrier advance. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1900s.

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Example Sentences

At times Robbie has to run interference between his son and daughter when things get too heated.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

“Whenever she visits, I’ve never seen her turn anybody away. She’s accessible almost to a fault. Sometimes, we don’t know if we should go and run interference, but she never seems bothered.”

From Washington Post • Sep. 5, 2022

Roberts did watch a replay and was convinced Muncy may have run interference.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 28, 2021

“But rather than independently investigating this, they’ve tried to run interference more than anything,” he said.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 25, 2021

“I’ll try to run interference and give you a couple hours before somebody comes in to check vitals and the like.”

From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

Related Words

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• assist
• facilitate
• hasten
• promote
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