rat run
A small, usually minor road used by a significant amount of traffic as a short cut or to avoid congestion on more major routes.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Drivers use our quiet street as a rat run to avoid traffic.”
“The local council plans to close the narrow lane because it has become a dangerous rat run for commuters.”
“Although the neighborhood was designed for local access, it has evolved into a persistent rat run that frustrates residents during the morning rush hour.”
- 01
break into a run
To start running.
- 02
common run
Ordinary persons, things, or events.
- 03
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.
- 04
dummy run
A trial or practice before the real attempt.
- 05
give a rat's arse
To care a minimum amount; to have or show minimal interest
- 06
good run
Success over an extended period.
- 07
hit and run
A road accident in which a driver hits someone and then drives away without stopping to help or take responsibility.
- 08
hold with the hare and run with the hounds
To oppose an action or behavior and yet engage in the same action or behavior; to be a hypocrite.
Last updated August 10, 2026