# run late

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/run-late
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be late; to fail to be on time.

## Examples

- I am sorry, but I am running late for our meeting.
- The bus broke down on the highway, so I am going to run late for my appointment.
- Because the heavy traffic caused the train to run late, the entire conference schedule had to be adjusted to accommodate the delayed speakers.

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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.