run for the roses
A college football game or series of games played with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the championship Rose Bowl game.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The team hopes to run for the roses this season.”
“After winning their last five games, the players are focused on their goal to run for the roses.”
“With the conference championship within reach, the coach reminded his squad that they must win every remaining game if they intend to run for the roses.”
- 01
bed of roses
A pleasant or easy situation; an untroubled existence.
- 02
bloom is off the rose
The person, object, or situation identified in the context has lost its novelty, freshness, appeal, or acceptability.
- 03
break into a run
To start running.
- 04
come up roses
To enter into a condition or situation which is favorable; to develop in a pleasing or advantageous manner.
- 05
common run
Ordinary persons, things, or events.
- 06
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.
- 07
dummy run
A trial or practice before the real attempt.
- 08
good run
Success over an extended period.
Last updated August 10, 2026