# run for one's life

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/run-for-ones-life
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To attempt to escape an extremely unfavorable or unfortunate situation.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.