Phrase guide

run to earth

verb · 1 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 -ɜː(ɹ)θ

1

verb

Meaning 1

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • We’ve been trying to contact that witness for ten days, but we still haven’t run him to earth.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: run down, run to ground

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.