run with
Medium-HighInformal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To adopt, pursue, or proceed enthusiastically with an idea, plan, or activity.
1. To move quickly on foot alongside someone/something. 2. To be associated or affiliated with a particular group. 3. To operate or function while including something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning shifts dramatically based on the object. With an abstract object (idea, suggestion), it means to develop it enthusiastically. With a concrete object (person, dog), it means to accompany while running. With a group, it implies social association.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core 'adopt an idea' meaning is identical. In sports contexts, UK English might use 'run with' more literally in rugby commentary (e.g., 'He runs with the ball'). US English slightly favors 'run with it' as a standalone imperative.
Connotations
Equally positive for the 'adopt an idea' sense in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US English in business/informal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + run with + [Object (Idea/Thing)][Subject] + run with + [Object (Person/Group)]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Run with the hare and hunt with the hounds (UK)”
- “Run with it”
- “Run with the pack”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The team loved your proposal—run with it and prepare a prototype." (Meaning: develop it further)
Academic
The researcher chose to run with the initial hypothesis, despite contradictory early data.
Everyday
I told him my joke idea, and he just ran with it and made it even funnier.
Technical
The software will run with the new plugin installed. (Different literal meaning)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The editor said to run with the front-page story.
- He runs with a very fast crowd in London.
American English
- Just run with the idea and see what happens.
- She runs with her dog every morning in the park.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children run with their friends in the park.
- My dog likes to run with me.
- I have a good idea for the project. Can I run with it?
- He runs with a local football club.
- The campaign manager decided to run with the positive messaging after the successful poll.
- You've made an interesting point—I think we should run with that.
- The director gave the scriptwriter carte blanche to run with her unconventional narrative structure.
- His tendency to run with the wrong crowd ultimately led to his downfall.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a relay race: when someone hands you the baton (an idea), you don't stop—you RUN WITH it to the finish line.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE OBJECTS TO BE CARRIED FORWARD; INVOLVEMENT IS ACCOMPANYING SOMEONE IN MOTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from "бегать с" which primarily implies literal, repeated action with a person. Use "продолжать развивать (идею)" for the abstract sense.
- Confusing "run with" (develop) with "run by" (present for approval).
Common Mistakes
- *I will run with this problem tomorrow. (Use 'deal with' or 'tackle').
- *She runs with the marketing department. (Better: 'She works with' or 'is part of').
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'run with it' most likely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has literal (run with a person) and social (run with a crowd) meanings, but the 'adopt an idea' meaning is very common in professional contexts.
'Run with' implies active development and enthusiasm. 'Go with' is more about simple choice or selection ('I'll go with the blue one').
It is acceptable in most professional emails and documents, but for very formal academic or legal texts, synonyms like 'implement', 'adopt', or 'pursue' may be preferable.
Yes, especially with pronouns. 'She gave me the idea and I ran with it.' You can also say 'run [an idea] with' but it's less common (e.g., 'run that idea with the team').