What does “Run to ground” mean?
"Run to ground" means to actively search for and successfully locate and capture someone or something that has been hiding or evading capture.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The police finally ran the suspect to ground after a long chase.
Example
The search party was determined to run the lost hiker to ground before nightfall.
Example
The detective used his skills to run the elusive criminal to ground and bring him to justice
Is “Run to ground” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Run to ground” 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 to ground” effectively in context?
You can use "Run to Ground" to describe the act of finding and capturing someone or something that has been hiding or evading capture. It emphasizes the determination and effort put into locating the target. For example, if a friend is searching for a lost item, you might say, 'Keep looking, you'll run it to ground eventually.'
- 1Crime Investigation
The police finally ran the suspect to ground after a long chase.
- 2Search and Rescue
The search party was determined to run the lost hiker to ground before nightfall.
- 3Criminal Pursuit
The detective used his skills to run the elusive criminal to ground and bring him to justice.
Similar phrases to “Run to ground”:
To identify or locate precisely
Example
The scientist was able to pinpoint the exact location of the earthquake.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Run to ground” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Run to Ground" is unknown.
Is “Run to ground” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Run to Ground" is a well-known idiom in everyday conversation. It is commonly used in contexts related to crime, investigations, and searches.
What tone does “Run to ground” have?
"Run to Ground" conveys a tone of determination and persistence. It implies a relentless pursuit and the eventual capture or discovery of the target.
Can “Run to ground” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Run to Ground" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is often used in discussions or narratives involving investigations, searches, or pursuits. It can be used in casual conversations as well as in more formal contexts such as police reports or news articles.
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 detective was determined to run the elusive criminal to ground.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "run the suspect to ground"!' to imply the need for action.
