PhrasesHub

ran around

    Definitions

      • behave in a chaotic or disorganized manner
        Describe someone's frantic or aimless actions, often in a negative context

      • deceive or manipulate someone
        Refer to someone trying to trick or mislead another person for personal gain or advantage

    Examples of ran around

    • The delivery guy ran around the city trying to find the correct address.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who is moving quickly and in different directions in order to complete a task or find something.

    • The kids ran around the park, chasing each other and laughing.

      This idiom is used to describe children playing and running around without any specific goal or task in mind.

    • The sales team ran around different stores, trying to sell their products.

      This idiom is used to describe a group of people who are moving quickly and in different directions in order to accomplish a task.

    • The dog ran around the house, barking and wagging its tail.

      This idiom is used to describe an animal who is moving quickly and in different directions, possibly because it is excited or playful.

    • Jane really ran around during the office party last night. She was constantly moving and mingling with everybody, which left us all a bit exhausted from keeping up with her.

      To "run around" is to move quickly and actively from place to place while doing various things. In this example, Jane was being very social and energetic, moving around the party and interacting with everyone.

    • The children ran around the playground, screaming and laughing, chasing after each other with pure delight.

      In this example, "ran around" means that the children were moving about in the playground, playing and having fun, possibly chasing each other or exploring the area.

    • The salesman ran around the showroom, trying to convince each customer that his product was the best choice for them.

      When someone "runs around" in a place, it means they are actively moving around and interacting with people or objects in that place. In this example, the salesman was moving around the showroom, trying to sell his product to each customer he encountered.

    • The police officers ran around the neighborhood, searching for clues and questioning witnesses in order to solve the robbery.

      To "run around" in this sense means actively searching and investigating a place or looking for something. In this case, the police officers were moving around the neighborhood, looking for clues and interviewing witnesses to try and find the person who committed the robbery.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "ran around" can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It can either describe someone behaving in a chaotic or disorganized manner or someone trying to deceive or manipulate others. In both cases, the intention is to highlight negative actions or behaviors.

    When someone is said to be "running around," it suggests a lack of focus or direction in their actions. This could be seen as a form of distraction or inefficiency. On the other hand, if someone is accused of "running around" in a deceptive way, it implies a deliberate attempt to mislead or cheat others.

    In everyday conversations, the idiom "ran around" is commonly used to criticize someone's behavior or actions, pointing out their lack of clarity or honesty.

    Origin of "ran around"

    The origin of the idiom "ran around" can be traced back to the literal act of running in circles. When someone runs around in a chaotic or disorganized manner, it can be likened to a person moving aimlessly without a clear purpose or direction.

    In the context of deception or manipulation, the idea of running around may stem from the concept of running circles around someone, outsmarting or outmaneuvering them in a cunning or deceitful way. This notion of running around to confuse or mislead others could have led to the figurative use of the idiom to describe such actions.

    Overall, the idiom "ran around" has evolved to capture the essence of disorderly behavior or deceptive actions, reflecting the negative connotations associated with running in circles or trying to pull the wool over someone's eyes.