run through: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘run through’ mean?
The idiom "run through" means to quickly review or discuss something, often in a casual or brief manner. It can also refer to the act of rehearsing or practicing something, such as a performance or a speech.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "whip through" means to do something quickly and effortlessly, often completing a task or activity in a short amount of time.
The idiom "whip through" is a commonly used expression that combines the verb "whip" with the preposition "through". It conveys the idea of completing a task or activity quickly and effortlessly, while also implying a thorough or comprehensive execution.
The idiom "run the show" means to be in charge or in control of a situation or event.
The idiom "run the rule over" means to examine or evaluate something or someone in a thorough and critical manner.
The idiom "run the gauntlet" means to go through a difficult or dangerous experience where there are multiple challenges or obstacles to overcome.
Running the gauntlet is an idiom that originates from a form of military punishment. In this type of punishment, an individual would have to run between two rows of soldiers who would strike them with various weapons. It was a harsh disciplinary measure used to maintain order within the military.
The idiom "run the gamut" means to cover a wide range or variety of things. It implies going from one extreme to another, encompassing everything in between.
The idiom "run rings around" means to easily outperform or outdo someone in a given activity or task. It implies being much more skilled or efficient than the person or group being compared to. The phrase originates from the idea of running in circles around someone or something, suggesting a clear superiority.
The idiom "run past" means to quickly mention or discuss something without going into detail or providing much information.
The idiom "run over" means to hit or knock down someone or something with a vehicle. It can also refer to reviewing or reiterating something quickly, and it is often used to describe time that exceeds the original plan.
The idiom "run out the clock" means to intentionally waste time or delay the completion of a task or event, often to secure a favorable outcome or simply to avoid unwanted consequences.
The idiom "run on" means to continue speaking without pausing or to continue happening without stopping. It can also refer to a sentence that is too long and lacks proper punctuation.
Unmasking Interpretations
The idiom "run past" is similar to "run through" in that it also means to quickly go through something. However, "run past" implies a faster and more cursory examination, often skipping over or neglecting certain details. For example, someone might say, "I'll just run past the main points of the presentation." When using this idiom, it's important to be aware that it may not provide a comprehensive understanding or analysis of the subject at hand.
The idiom "rattle through" is another variation of "run through" that conveys a sense of speed and rapidity. It suggests going through something quickly and with energy, often without taking the time to think deeply or reflect on the details. This idiom can be used in various contexts, such as quickly going through a list or finishing a task in a hasty manner. For instance, someone might say, "Let's rattle through these emails so we can move on to other tasks."
Similarly, "check through" is an idiom related to "run through" that means to quickly go through something to ensure that everything is in order or to identify any errors or issues. It implies a thorough but efficient examination or review. For example, someone might say, "I'll check through the document one more time before we send it out." This idiom is often used when there is a need for a quick assessment or evaluation.
Lastly, "whip through" is another idiomatic expression that is similar to "run through" in meaning. It suggests quickly going through something, often with a sense of efficiency and speed. This idiom can be used in various contexts, such as quickly reading a book or going through a stack of papers. For instance, someone might say, "I'm going to whip through this report before the meeting starts."
"run through" is a versatile idiom that can be used in various contexts to convey the idea of quickly going through something. Whether it's a casual examination, a rehearsal, depleting resources quickly, giving a rapid overview, physically traversing a place, mentally rehearsing or reviewing, or describing a destructive encounter, this idiom offers a range of possibilities for expression and communication. And when we consider the related idioms "run past," "rattle through," "check through," and "whip through," we find even more nuanced ways to convey the idea of swift and efficient action.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *run through* can be used in a sentence:
1. After finishing my presentation, I realized I forgot to run through my notes for the Q&A session.
2. The director asked the actors to run through the final scene of the play one more time before the dress rehearsal.
3. Please run through the contract carefully before signing it to make sure there are no hidden clauses.
More "verb" idioms
