What does “Give someone a run for their money” mean?
"Give someone a run for their money" means to challenge someone and give them a tough competition.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The new team is really giving the reigning champions a run for their money.
Example
She's a talented athlete who can give anyone a run for their money.
Example
The young singer is determined to give the established artists a run for their money
Is “Give someone a run for their money” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Give someone a run for their money” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Give someone a run for their money” effectively in context?
You can use "Give someone a run for their money" to describe a situation where someone challenges another person or group and gives them tough competition. It emphasizes the idea of providing a strong challenge and making the other person work hard to maintain their position. For example, if a new team is performing exceptionally well in a sports competition, you might say, 'They're really giving the reigning champions a run for their money.'
- 1Sports
The new team is really giving the reigning champions a run for their money.
- 2Competition
She's a talented athlete who can give anyone a run for their money.
- 3Entertainment industry
The young singer is determined to give the established artists a run for their money.
Similar phrases to “Give someone a run for their money”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Give someone a run for their money” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Give someone a run for their money" is unknown.
Is “Give someone a run for their money” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Give someone a run for their money" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe competitive situations in sports, business, or other areas where one person or group challenges another and provides tough competition.
What tone does “Give someone a run for their money” have?
"Give someone a run for their money" conveys a tone of competitiveness and determination. It implies that the person or group being challenged is facing a strong opponent who is giving them a tough time.
Can “Give someone a run for their money” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Give someone a run for their money" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts to describe competitive situations. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, colleagues, or in more formal situations such as presentations or business meetings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The new team is giving the reigning champions a run for their money.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They really gave them a run for their money!' to imply a strong challenge.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- challenge someone
- give someone a tough time
- compete fiercely
- provide strong competition
- give someone a run for their investment
Antonyms
- lose easily
- surrender without a fight
- give up
- admit defeat
- not put up a fight
