What does “Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds” mean?
"Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds" means trying to support both sides of an argument or issue.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's always running with the hare and hunting with the hounds, never taking a clear stance.
Example
The politician was accused of running with the hare and hunting with the hounds during the debate.
Example
She's known for running with the hare and hunting with the hounds, always trying to please everyone
Is “Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds” 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 “Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds” effectively in context?
You can use "Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds" to describe someone who tries to support both sides of an argument or issue, often to avoid taking a clear stance. It implies a sense of duplicity or hypocrisy. For example, if a friend is constantly changing their opinion to please different groups of people, you might say, 'He's always running with the hare and hunting with the hounds, never taking a clear stance.'
- 1Politics
The politician was accused of running with the hare and hunting with the hounds during the debate.
- 2Social Interactions
She's known for running with the hare and hunting with the hounds, always trying to please everyone.
- 3Workplace
He's constantly running with the hare and hunting with the hounds, never expressing his true opinions in meetings.
Similar phrases to “Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds”:
Two-faced
Being deceitful or hypocritical
Example
She's known for being two-faced, always saying one thing and doing another.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds" is unknown.
Is “Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds" is not as common as some other idioms, but it is still used in everyday conversation, especially in more formal or literary contexts. It is often used to criticize someone's lack of integrity or consistency.
What tone does “Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds” have?
"Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds" conveys a tone of criticism and disapproval. It suggests that the person being described is being deceitful or dishonest by trying to please everyone and avoid taking a clear position.
Can “Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds" is more formal and literary in nature. It is less commonly used in casual conversations and more likely to be found in written or spoken discourse that requires a higher level of language proficiency.
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, 'He's always running with the hare and hunting with the hounds, never taking a clear stance.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to stop running with the hare and hunting with the hounds!' to imply the need for honesty and consistency.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- duplicitous
- insincere
- double-dealing
- janus-faced
- two-timing
Antonyms
- taking a stand
- being forthright
- being honest
- having integrity
