run to earth

Idioms  

1. Also, run to ground. Track down, find, as in Somehow we have to run those relatives of hers to earth, or It won't be easy, but I'm sure we can run that jewelry to ground. This expression comes from hunting, where hounds run their quarry to the earth or ground, that is, to their lair. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1800s.

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Example Sentences

“I would have stood my ground when the chance was offered. Now we have let ourselves be run to earth like foxes.”

From Literature

A fox had been run to earth, and "a dog, which the Prince loved," followed it.

From Project Gutenberg

They are run to earth, Amos, 'tis true, got away like foxes.

From Project Gutenberg

"Run to earth, my lad!" he cried boisterously.

From Project Gutenberg

The assizes at Salisbury followed quick on the capture of the fugitive—run to earth in a wood by the Blue Boys and the tough boys and brought back like some wild creature trapped—soaked, soiled, bruised, faint, furious, terrified and struggling, for prompt committal by the magistrate.

From Project Gutenberg