run for one's life
To attempt to escape an extremely unfavorable or unfortunate situation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“When the fire alarm rang, we had to run for our lives.”
“The storm was so strong that the hikers had to run for their lives to reach the shelter.”
“As the dam began to crack, the villagers realized they had no choice but to run for their lives before the floodwaters arrived.”
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026