What does “Run off your feet” mean?
"Run off your feet" means being extremely busy or overwhelmed with tasks.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I've been running off my feet all day trying to meet deadlines.
Example
The restaurant was so busy that the waitstaff were running off their feet.
Example
With three kids and a full-time job, she's constantly running off her feet
Is “Run off your feet” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Run off your feet” 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 “Run off your feet” effectively in context?
You can use "Run off your feet" to describe a situation where someone is extremely busy or overwhelmed with tasks. It emphasizes the idea of being constantly on the move and having no time to rest. For example, if a friend asks how your day has been, you might say, 'I've been running off my feet all day trying to meet deadlines.'
- 1Work
The restaurant was so busy that the waitstaff were running off their feet.
- 2Personal Life
With three kids and a full-time job, she's constantly running off her feet.
- 3Time Management
He had so many errands to run that he felt like he was running off his feet all day.
Similar phrases to “Run off your feet”:
To be overwhelmed with work or tasks
Example
I'm completely swamped with assignments this week.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Run off your feet” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Run off your feet" is unknown.
Is “Run off your feet” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Run off your feet" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe being busy or overwhelmed with tasks.
What tone does “Run off your feet” have?
"Run off your feet" conveys a tone of busyness and overwhelm. It's often used to express the feeling of being constantly on the move and having no time to rest.
Can “Run off your feet” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Run off your feet" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a state of being extremely busy. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I've been running off my feet all day trying to meet deadlines.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm "running off my feet"!' to imply being busy.
