run a mile

run a mile

To avoid something in any way possible. He says he's a great comedian, but I bet he'd run a mile if you tried to get him on stage.

See also: mile, run

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

run a mile

mainly BRITISH, INFORMAL

If someone runs a mile, they try very hard to get away from a person, thing or situation. Most men run a mile when they see a girl cry. These days most of us run a mile at the mention of plastic. He's friendly enough but he'd run a mile if I asked him out.

See also: mile, run

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

run a mile

used to show that someone is frightened by or very unwilling to do something. informal

1999 Chris Dolan Ascension Day She'll run a mile if you contact her direct. I'll do my go-between bit, for you and her, if you do the same for me.

See also: mile, run

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

run a ˈmile (from somebody/something)

(informal) show that you are very frightened of somebody/something: She likes him but she’d run a mile if he proposed to her.

See also: mile, run

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017