give someone a run for their money

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. 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 Neutral · CEFR C1

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

seed money Neutral · CEFR B1

the initial capital used to start a business

money talks Neutral · CEFR B2

financial power can strongly influence what people decide or do

put your money where your mouth is Informal · CEFR B2

to back up your words with action, especially money

run riot Neutral · CEFR B2

to behave in a wild, uncontrolled way that creates disorder

run amok Neutral · CEFR C1

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.

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