Phrase guide

make a run for it

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • rhymes with -ɪt

1

verb

Meaning 1

To attempt to escape; to flee; to run away.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: have a run for it, make a break for it, make a dash for it

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To run so as to avoid being late.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • 1964, John Nathan (translator), A Personal Matter by Kenzaburō Ōe, New York: Grove Press, 1969, Chapter 5, p. 83, In the depths of his body, Bird felt the beginning of an irrepressible and certain crisis. ... Could he make it in time if he charged in that direction? But how much better to ride the crisis out without having to make a run for it.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Hungarian: elszelel — to attempt to escape; to flee; to run away
  • Hungarian: elillan — to attempt to escape; to flee; to run away
  • Hungarian: kereket old — to attempt to escape; to flee; to run away
  • Hungarian: futva menekül — to attempt to escape; to flee; to run away
  • Polish: zwiewać — to attempt to escape; to flee; to run away
  • Polish: zwiać — to attempt to escape; to flee; to run away
  • Hungarian: futásnak ered — to run so as to avoid being late
  • Polish: rzucać się do biegu — to run so as to avoid being late
  • Polish: rzucić się do biegu — to run so as to avoid being late