run-in

American  

[ruhn-in] / ˈrʌnˌɪn /

noun

1. a quarrel; argument.

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

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adjective

1. Printing. added to a text without indenting.

run in British  

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

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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

run in Idioms  

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

2. 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 .

3. 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]

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

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

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Etymology

Origin of run-in

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

Example Sentences

"When you're taking the advertising boards and putting them really close to the sidelines, you have a short run-in," Gronnemark said.

From BBC

Denver have a well-timed bye next week before the run-in, where they have to target the top seed in the AFC and home advantage in the play-offs.

From BBC

Who has the best run-in between the Patriots, Colts and Broncos?

From BBC

Any country sending troops to keep the peace in the enclave could risk having a run-in with Hamas forces at some point, and that could place them in an uncomfortable position.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ahead of the meeting in Washington on Monday, a run-in between jets from the Chinese and Australian militaries served as a reminder of tensions in the region.

From BBC

Related Words

• altercation
• confrontation
• falling-out
• quarrel
• skirmish
• tussle