ENGLISH
REFERENCE

run to earth

idiom
Meaning

To find someone or something after a long and difficult search.


Examples
SIMPLE

I finally ran the missing keys to earth under the sofa.

CONTEXTUAL

After searching for hours, the detective finally ran the suspect to earth in a small apartment.

COMPLEX

The researchers spent years in the archives before they finally ran the lost historical document to earth.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    break into a run

    To start running.

  2. 02

    come down to earth

    To be brought back to reality; to emerge from a daydream.

  3. 03

    common run

    Ordinary persons, things, or events.

  4. 04

    cost the earth

    To be a huge expense.

  5. 05

    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.

  6. 06

    dummy run

    A trial or practice before the real attempt.

  7. 07

    edge of the earth

    A very remote place.

  8. 08

    go to the ends of the earth

    To do everything possible to achieve something.

Last updated April 17, 2026