ENGLISH
REFERENCE

run around after

idiom
Meaning

To spend a lot of time doing things for another person or group of people. Often used when that person could reasonably do the things for themselves.


Examples
SIMPLE

I am tired of running around after my lazy roommate.

CONTEXTUAL

She spends every weekend running around after her adult children, even though they are perfectly capable of managing their own errands.

COMPLEX

Despite his exhaustion, he continued running around after his demanding guests, ensuring every minor request was met before he finally allowed himself to rest.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    break into a run

    To start running.

  2. 02

    common run

    Ordinary persons, things, or events.

  3. 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.

  4. 04

    dummy run

    A trial or practice before the real attempt.

  5. 05

    good run

    Success over an extended period.

  6. 06

    hit and run

    A road accident in which a driver hits someone and then drives away without stopping to help or take responsibility.

  7. 07

    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.

  8. 08

    learn to walk before one can run

    Before one can perform a complicated task, one has to learn how to perform more simple tasks.

Last updated April 17, 2026