run for (one's) life

run for (one's) life

To run as fast as one possibly can, as if (or because) one is in a dangerous or grave situation. We ran for our lives when we heard that a lion had escaped from its cage. I ran for my life trying to get to the train on time, but it began pulling away just as I got to the platform. You'll have to run for your life if you want to have any chance of qualifying for the varsity team.

See also: for, life, run

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

run for one's life

to run away to save one's life. The dam has burst! Run for your life! The captain told us all to run for our lives.

See also: for, life, run

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