run its course

Idioms  

1. Proceed to its logical or natural conclusion, as in The doctor said the cold would probably run its course within a week. This idiom employs course in the sense of “an onward movement in a particular path.” [Second half of 1500s]

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

run its course

Professional matchmaker Sarah Louise Ryan welcomed the move, saying Bumble's signature feature had "run its course".

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

What they actually own is nothing more than a heavy bet on Big Tech — and right now, that bet has run its course.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 9, 2026

Were there ever moments when you thought the club had run its course?

From Los Angeles Times ● May 20, 2026

So much for being “woke,” I guess, but there’s a label that has really run its course.

From Salon ● May 8, 2026

By the time the song was done, only charwood re-mained of the gods, and the king's patience had run its course.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• break
• cease
• close
• drop
• end
• halt
• hold
• kill
• pause
• put an end to
• quit
• stall
• stand
• stay