run someone ragged

run (oneself or someone) ragged

To exhaust oneself or someone else through hard work or effort. I've been running myself ragged trying to clean and organize the house before your mom comes to visit. If you become Joe's personal assistant, don't be surprised if he runs you ragged—he can be very demanding.

See also: ragged, run

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

run someone ragged

If someone runs you ragged, they make you do so much that you get extremely tired. Most days the kids — four under the age of six — run me ragged. Their defence was run ragged by the opposing team. Note: You can also say that you run yourself ragged, meaning that you get very tired by doing many things. She runs herself ragged trying to get everything done.

See also: ragged, run, someone

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

run someone ragged

exhaust someone by making them undertake a lot of physical activity.

See also: ragged, run, someone

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017