English idiom

give someone a run for their money

Register · Neutral CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

to compete nearly as well as a much stronger opponent, forcing them to work hard for victory

Why this phrase?

From horse racing: a challenger who makes the favorite run at full speed.

Example

“The scrappy startup gave the incumbents a real run for their money.”

Dictionary details

Component words

run money

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

run the gauntlet

to endure a succession of ordeals, attacks, or severe criticism

seed money

the initial capital used to start a business

money talks

financial power can strongly influence what people decide or do

put your money where your mouth is

to back up your words with action, especially money

run riot

to behave in a wild, uncontrolled way that creates disorder

run amok

to behave wildly and without restraint, causing disorder or damage

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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