ENGLISH
REFERENCE

run rampant

idiom
Meaning

To go unchecked or without control; to be wild or excessive.


Examples
SIMPLE

Weeds run rampant in the garden if you never pull them.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager worried that rumors would run rampant through the office before the official announcement.

COMPLEX

Without any clear leadership or established rules, confusion and disorder began to run rampant throughout the entire organization.

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

    Sexual intercourse followed by a prompt departure; a one-night stand.

  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.

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