a run on (something)
(redirected from a run on something)a run on (something)
A large, sudden, and widespread demand for something. I'm sorry, we had a run on the chocolate cheesecake this afternoon, so I'm afraid we're out. There's always a run on bed linens when the college students move back into town for a new semester.
run on
1. Literally, to continue to travel by running. I really didn't want to talk to her, so I pretended like I didn't see her and just ran on. Don't stop if you start getting a cramp—slow down, but keep running on.
2. To continue being presented, performed, or operated, especially longer than expected or desired. I know the presentation ran on a little too long, but I think we covered some valuable topics. The trial ran on for months as the prosecution brought forward hundreds of pieces of evidence and dozens of witness.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
run on
1. to continue running. I wanted to stop her and ask her something, but she just ran on. The joggers had a chance to stop and rest, but they just ran on.
2. to continue on for a long time. The lecture ran on and bored everyone to tears. How long is this symphony likely to run on?
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
run on
1. Keep going, continue; also, remain in effect. For example, That murder trial has been running on for months, or How much longer can this debt be allowed to run on? [Late 1500s]
2. Talk at length; see go on, def. 5.
3. Continue a text without a break; see run in, def. 2.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
run on
v.
1. To continue for a long time: That movie ran on too long.
2. To talk or complain excessively about something: He is always running on about his tax problems.
3. To continue a text without a formal break: The editor marked all of the instances where the text ran on incorrectly.
4. To operate using something as a source of power: This new car runs on electricity.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.