# bum rush

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bum-rush
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A storming into an establishment.

## Examples

- The crowd tried to bum rush the concert entrance.
- Security guards stood at the door to prevent the angry fans from trying to bum rush the stage.
- Disregarding the velvet ropes and the polite queue, the impatient mob attempted to bum rush the exclusive gallery opening.

## Origin

Attested in the 1980s, the term originated as slang for the stampede of people that commonly occurred during a police raid. Under pressure from law enforcement, the crowd would move in a sudden, disorganized rush to vacate the premises.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.