dry run
A practice or rehearsal; especially, one that goes through all the motions of a physical process but without the raw material or workpiece present.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We did a dry run before the big presentation.”
“The theater group did a dry run of the play without costumes or lights.”
“Engineers conducted a final dry run of the launch sequence, checking every system without fuel in the tanks.”
first recorded 20th c. disputed origin
From dry (“impotent; harmless”) + run. First attested in print in 1941, but apparently much older in spoken English.
- 01
break into a run
To start running.
- 02
common run
Ordinary persons, things, or events.
- 03
cut and dried
Simple, straightforward, clear, or certain.
- 04
dry behind the ears
Seasoned or experienced; mature, especially with respect to judgment.
- 05
dry eye
An eye which is not crying, i.e. someone emotionally unmoved.
- 06
Dry January
A popular health challenge where a person abstains from alcohol for the entire month of January.
- 07
dry one's eyes
To cease crying.
- 08
dry out
To (cause to) sober up; to cease to be drunk; to quit using drugs or alcohol.
Last updated August 10, 2026