PhrasesHub

Run a mile

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • avoid someone or something
        To stay far away from someone or something, often due to a dislike or fear

      • recognize danger or trouble
        To quickly perceive a potential problem or risk and take action to avoid it

    Examples of Run a mile

    • If you think that presenting your ideas in front of a group of people is an easy task, then you're dreaming. In reality, it's like trying to run a mile while someone is chasing you with a slingshot. You'll be sweating bullets and your heart will be pounding in your chest, but you gotta keep going if you want to succeed.

      This is an example of an idiomatic expression that describes a situation as being extremely difficult or challenging. The phrase "run a mile" is used figuratively to refer to a task that is arduous and testing, while the introduction of a slingshot analogy adds to the intensity of the situation being described. Overall, this use of the idiom illustrates how presenting ideas in front of an audience can be a daunting experience that requires perseverance, focus, and a strong desire to succeed.

    • I'd rather run a mile than attend that meeting.

      This idiomatic expression means that the speaker would prefer to do something much less desirable than what has been proposed. In this case, running a mile (which is often considered a difficult or unpleasant task) is preferred over attending a meeting, which the speaker finds unappealing for some reason.

    • I was in such a rush that I considered running a mile to get to my destination on time.

      This use of the idiom highlights the degree to which the speaker was motivated to get somewhere quickly. In this situation, running a mile (which would take a significant amount of time and effort) was considered a viable option because of the urgency of the situation.

    • After eating that entire cake, I felt like I needed to run a mile to burn off the calories.

      This example uses the idiom to describe a physical action that can counteract the negative effects of something else. In this case, the speaker feels the need to run a mile (which is a vigorous form of exercise) in order to offset the unhealthy calories consumed by eating an entire cake.

    • If I have to listen to that annoying song again, I swear I'll run a mile just to escape it.

      The use of the idiom in this example highlights the speaker's strong aversion to something. In this case, the speaker suggests that they would be willing to engage in a physically demanding activity (running a mile) in order to avoid being subjected to a song they find irritating. The fact that the speaker is willing to run a mile in order to avoid listening to the song demonstrates the strength of their negative feelings about it.

    • "I wouldn't run a mile in those shoes!"

      This idiom is used to express that someone wouldn't do something because the circumstances are unfavorable or uncomfortable. In this case, the speaker is implying that the shoes being referred to are so uncomfortable or unsuitable for running that they wouldn't even run a mile while wearing them.

    • "The thief bolted as soon as the police arrived, running a mile to put as much distance between himself and the scene of the crime."

      This idiom is used to express that someone has fled quickly in order to escape a situation. In this case, the thief fled as far as a mile to create as much distance between himself and the location where the crime was committed.

    • "He's been working non-stop all week, but he refuses to run a mile until his project is completed."

      This idiom is used to express that someone is unwilling to do something until a particular task or event is complete. In this case, the speaker is implying that the person won't engage in any leisurely activities until their current work project is finished.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "run a mile" can be used to discourage someone from a particular activity or task, to advise someone to stay away from someone or something, or to quickly recognize and avoid potential danger or trouble.

    Origin of "Run a mile"

    The origin of the idiom "run a mile" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated from the literal act of running away from something to avoid it. The phrase may have developed over time as a way to convey the idea of quickly recognizing and avoiding danger or trouble. Its use in discouraging someone from a particular task or advising someone to stay away from someone or something likely stems from the notion of physical distance as a means of safety or avoidance. Overall, the idiom "run a mile" has evolved to convey the concept of recognizing and avoiding potential harm or negative consequences. Examples of its usage can be found in literature, media, and everyday conversation.