run at (someone or something)

run at (someone or something)

1. To run directly toward someone or something, especially in an aggressive manner. The police officer ran at the gunman and wrested the pistol from his hands. The dog began running at the mailman with his fangs bared.

2. To flee or retreat because of some prompt or inciting event. You don't want someone who's going to run at the first sign of danger. Everyone in the street ran at the sound of gunfire.

See also: run

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

run at someone or something

to run toward someone or something; to charge someone or something. The bull started to run at us, but changed its mind—thank heavens. The huge crocodile ran at the goat, but the goat leapt away.

See also: run

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.