Understanding the nuances of the phrase “run for their money” and its synonyms is essential for effective communication and a deeper appreciation of the English language. This phrase, and its alternatives, are commonly used to describe situations where someone faces strong competition or a difficult challenge.
Mastering these synonyms allows you to express varying degrees of competitiveness, difficulty, and effort. This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from intermediate to advanced, and anyone looking to expand their vocabulary and improve their understanding of idiomatic expressions.
By exploring various synonyms and their specific contexts, this guide will equip you with the tools to articulate competitive scenarios with precision and flair. Whether you’re preparing for an exam, writing a report, or simply aiming to enhance your everyday conversations, this comprehensive resource will prove invaluable.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Run for Their Money”
- Structural Breakdown of the Idiom
- Synonym Categories
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “Run for Their Money”
The idiom “run for their money” means to provide someone with strong competition or a difficult challenge. It implies that the person being challenged is usually considered superior or more likely to succeed, but the challenger is performing well enough to make them work hard for the victory.
The phrase suggests a close contest where the outcome is uncertain, and the favored individual or team has to exert considerable effort to maintain their lead or win.
Classification: Idiomatic expression.
Function: Used to describe a competitive situation where the underdog is performing surprisingly well.
Contexts: Commonly used in sports, business, politics, and other areas where competition is present. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Structural Breakdown of the Idiom
The structure of the idiom “run for their money” is relatively simple but carries a rich meaning. Let’s break it down:
- Run: This verb implies action and effort. It suggests that the challenger is actively competing and putting in the necessary work.
- For: This preposition indicates the purpose or recipient of the action. In this case, the “run” is being done “for” the other person’s money.
- Their: This possessive pronoun refers to the person or group being challenged. It highlights that the competition is directly affecting them.
- Money: In this context, “money” is metaphorical. It represents the value, status, or position that the person being challenged possesses and is at risk of losing. It signifies what they have to defend.
The idiom as a whole suggests that the challenger is making the person being challenged work hard to retain what they have. It’s not just about participating; it’s about actively contesting and potentially winning.
Synonym Categories
While “run for their money” is a vivid idiom, several synonyms can convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. These synonyms can be grouped into categories based on the specific aspect of the competition they emphasize:
Challenge Synonyms
These synonyms emphasize the act of confronting someone with a difficulty or obstacle. They highlight the active role of the challenger in creating a demanding situation for the person being challenged.
Compete Synonyms
These synonyms focus on the act of engaging in a contest or rivalry. They highlight the direct competition between two or more parties, emphasizing the back-and-forth nature of the struggle.
Struggle Synonyms
These synonyms emphasize the effort and difficulty involved in the competition. They highlight the hard work and determination required to overcome the challenge.
Test Synonyms
These synonyms focus on the idea of assessing someone’s abilities or strengths. They highlight how the competition serves as a measure of the person’s capabilities, pushing them to their limits.
Examples
To illustrate the usage of “run for their money” and its synonyms, let’s look at various examples categorized by the synonym groups discussed above. These examples will provide context and demonstrate how each phrase can be used effectively.
Challenge Examples
This table will illustrate how different challenge synonyms can be used in place of “run for their money”.
| Original Sentence | Synonym Replacement |
|---|---|
| The underdog team really made the champions run for their money. | The underdog team really challenged the champions. |
| The new startup is making the established company run for its money. | The new startup is presenting a challenge to the established company. |
| He gave his opponent a run for their money in the debate. | He posed a stiff challenge to his opponent in the debate. |
| The rookie quarterback made the veteran safety run for his money. | The rookie quarterback tested the veteran safety. |
| Our new product is going to make the market leader run for their money. | Our new product is going to present a formidable challenge to the market leader. |
| She’s making the incumbent run for their money in this election. | She’s challenging the incumbent in this election. |
| The young chess player is making the grandmaster run for their money. | The young chess player is giving a tough time to the grandmaster. |
| This new technology is making traditional methods run for their money. | This new technology is challenging traditional methods. |
| The smaller company is making the giant corporation run for their money. | The smaller company is mounting a challenge to the giant corporation. |
| The amateur artist is making the professional painter run for their money. | The amateur artist is challenging the professional painter. |
| This unexpected candidate is making the frontrunner run for their money. | This unexpected candidate is presenting a challenge to the frontrunner. |
| The new restaurant is making the old favorite run for its money. | The new restaurant is challenging the old favorite. |
| The student’s innovative ideas made the professor run for their money. | The student’s innovative ideas challenged the professor. |
| The small bookstore is making the online retailer run for their money. | The small bookstore is mounting a challenge to the online retailer. |
| The independent filmmaker is making the Hollywood studio run for their money. | The independent filmmaker is challenging the Hollywood studio. |
| Her insightful questions made the guest speaker run for their money. | Her insightful questions challenged the guest speaker. |
| The local bakery is making the national chain run for their money. | The local bakery is presenting a challenge to the national chain. |
| This new app is making the established software run for its money. | This new app is challenging the established software. |
| The volunteer group is making the government agency run for their money. | The volunteer group is mounting a challenge to the government agency. |
| The innovative educator is making the traditional school run for its money. | The innovative educator is challenging the traditional school. |
| This grassroots movement is making the established political party run for their money. | This grassroots movement is presenting a significant challenge to the established political party. |
| The artisan coffee shop is making the large chain run for their money. | The artisan coffee shop is challenging the large chain. |
| The open-source software is making the proprietary system run for its money. | The open-source software is presenting a challenge to the proprietary system. |
| The local farm is making the industrial agriculture run for its money. | The local farm is challenging the industrial agriculture. |
Compete Examples
This table will illustrate how different compete synonyms can be used in place of “run for their money”.
| Original Sentence | Synonym Replacement |
|---|---|
| The smaller firm is making the industry giant run for their money. | The smaller firm is competing fiercely with the industry giant. |
| The amateur team gave the professionals a run for their money. | The amateur team competed well against the professionals. |
| This new technology is making the old system run for its money. | This new technology is in direct competition with the old system. |
| She’s really making him run for his money in this tennis match. | She’s really giving him a good competition in this tennis match. |
| The independent bookstore is making the big chain run for their money. | The independent bookstore is competing effectively with the big chain. |
| The new restaurant is making the established eatery run for their money. | The new restaurant is in competition with the established eatery. |
| He’s going to make them run for their money in the upcoming election. | He’s going to compete strongly in the upcoming election. |
| The local artist is making the famous painter run for their money. | The local artist is competing with the famous painter. |
| The small business is making the large corporation run for their money. | The small business is engaging in a tough competition with the large corporation. |
| The student’s innovative project is making the research team run for their money. | The student’s innovative project is competing effectively with the research team. |
| This new software is making the existing platform run for its money. | This new software is in competition with the existing platform. |
| The startup is making the established company run for their money. | The startup is competing fiercely with the established company. |
| The challenger is making the champion run for their money in this game. | The challenger is giving the champion a run for their money in this game. |
| The alternative energy source is making traditional fuels run for their money. | The alternative energy source is competing with traditional fuels. |
| The new entrant is making the market leader run for their money. | The new entrant is challenging the market leader in this competitive landscape. |
| The upstart team is making the dynasty run for their money. | The upstart team is competing fiercely against the dynasty. |
| The community college is making the prestigious university run for their money. | The community college is competing effectively with the prestigious university. |
| The open-source project is making the proprietary software run for its money. | The open-source project is in direct competition with the proprietary software. |
| The young entrepreneur is making the established CEO run for their money. | The young entrepreneur is competing with the established CEO. |
| The independent candidate is making the career politician run for their money. | The independent candidate is competing fiercely with the career politician. |
| The local farm is making the large agricultural business run for their money. | The local farm is competing with the large agricultural business. |
| The indie game studio is making the AAA developer run for their money. | The indie game studio is competing effectively with the AAA developer. |
| The small online retailer is making the e-commerce giant run for their money. | The small online retailer is competing fiercely with the e-commerce giant. |
| The amateur chef is making the Michelin-starred chef run for their money. | The amateur chef is in competition with the Michelin-starred chef. |
Struggle Examples
This table will illustrate how different struggle synonyms can be used in place of “run for their money”.
| Original Sentence | Synonym Replacement |
|---|---|
| The new competitor is making the established brand run for their money. | The new competitor is forcing the established brand to struggle to maintain its position. |
| The underdog team gave the champions a run for their money. | The underdog team made the champions work hard for their victory. |
| This new regulation is making the industry run for its money. | This new regulation is causing the industry to face significant challenges. |
| She’s making him run for his money in this debate. | She’s making him fight hard to defend his arguments in this debate. |
| The innovative startup is making the established corporation run for their money. | The innovative startup is causing the established corporation to struggle to innovate. |
| The challenging exam made the students run for their money. | The challenging exam made the students work tirelessly to pass. |
| He’s making them run for their money in this negotiation. | He’s making them fight to get their terms accepted in this negotiation. |
| The rising star is making the veteran actor run for their money. | The rising star is causing the veteran actor to struggle to stay relevant. |
| The unexpected setback made the project team run for their money. | The unexpected setback made the project team work tirelessly to recover. |
| The competitive market is making the company run for its money. | The competitive market is forcing the company to struggle to survive. |
| This difficult project is making the engineers run for their money. | This difficult project is making the engineers work tirelessly to find solutions. |
| The aggressive competitor is making the market leader run for their money. | The aggressive competitor is forcing the market leader to struggle to maintain dominance. |
| The rigorous training is making the athletes run for their money. | The rigorous training is making the athletes push themselves to their limits. |
| The complex problem is making the scientists run for their money. | The complex problem is making the scientists work tirelessly to understand it. |
| The demanding client is making the agency run for their money. | The demanding client is forcing the agency to struggle to meet their expectations. |
| The intense competition is making the participants run for their money. | The intense competition is making the participants push themselves to excel. |
| The unexpected crisis is making the government run for their money. | The unexpected crisis is forcing the government to struggle to manage the situation. |
| The innovative design is making the established product run for its money. | The innovative design is causing the established product to struggle to remain competitive. |
| The difficult task is making the workers run for their money. | The difficult task is making the workers work tirelessly to complete it. |
| The challenging legal case is making the lawyers run for their money. | The challenging legal case is forcing the lawyers to struggle to win. |
| The aggressive market is making the business run for its money. | The aggressive market is causing the business to struggle to stay afloat. |
| The tight deadline is making the team run for their money. | The tight deadline is forcing the team to work tirelessly to finish on time. |
| The complex algorithm is making the programmer run for their money. | The complex algorithm is making the programmer struggle to optimize it. |
| The changing market is making the long-established company run for its money. | The changing market is causing the long-established company to struggle to adapt. |
Test Examples
This table will illustrate how different test synonyms can be used in place of “run for their money”.
| Original Sentence | Synonym Replacement |
|---|---|
| The rookie quarterback made the veteran safety run for his money. | The rookie quarterback tested the veteran safety’s skills. |
| The challenging project made the experienced engineer run for their money. | The challenging project tested the experienced engineer’s abilities. |
| The intense competition made the seasoned athlete run for their money. | The intense competition tested the seasoned athlete’s endurance. |
| The difficult negotiation made the skilled diplomat run for their money. | The difficult negotiation tested the skilled diplomat’s patience. |
| The complex problem made the brilliant scientist run for their money. | The complex problem tested the brilliant scientist’s intellect. |
| The demanding client made the experienced consultant run for their money. | The demanding client tested the experienced consultant’s professionalism. |
| The rigorous training made the aspiring soldier run for their money. | The rigorous training tested the aspiring soldier’s resilience. |
| The challenging exam made the diligent student run for their money. | The challenging exam tested the diligent student’s knowledge. |
| The intense pressure made the seasoned leader run for their money. | The intense pressure tested the seasoned leader’s composure. |
| The complex situation made the experienced manager run for their money. | The complex situation tested the experienced manager’s decision-making. |
| The difficult task made the skilled craftsman run for their money. | The difficult task tested the skilled craftsman’s expertise. |
| The intense scrutiny made the public figure run for their money. | The intense scrutiny tested the public figure’s integrity. |
| The challenging environment made the adaptable entrepreneur run for their money. | The challenging environment tested the adaptable entrepreneur’s resourcefulness. |
| The rigorous process made the aspiring candidate run for their money. | The rigorous process tested the aspiring candidate’s determination. |
| The complex puzzle made the brilliant mind run for their money. | The complex puzzle tested the brilliant mind’s creativity. |
| The demanding performance made the skilled artist run for their money. | The demanding performance tested the skilled artist’s talent. |
| The intense competition made the seasoned veteran run for their money. | The intense competition tested the seasoned veteran’s grit. |
| The challenging conditions made the experienced explorer run for their money. | The challenging conditions tested the experienced explorer’s survival skills. |
| The complex code made the skilled programmer run for their money. | The complex code tested the skilled programmer’s problem-solving. |
| The demanding role made the versatile actor run for their money. | The demanding role tested the versatile actor’s range. |
| The intense pressure made the seasoned pilot run for their money. | The intense pressure tested the seasoned pilot’s nerves. |
| The challenging case made the experienced detective run for their money. | The challenging case tested the experienced detective’s intuition. |
| The demanding schedule made the tireless worker run for their money. | The demanding schedule tested the tireless worker’s stamina. |
| The complex system made the skilled analyst run for their money. | The complex system tested the skilled analyst’s understanding. |
Usage Rules
While “run for their money” and its synonyms are relatively straightforward, it’s vital to understand the subtle nuances in their usage.
- Context: Consider the specific context of the competition. Are you emphasizing the challenge, the act of competing, the struggle involved, or the testing of abilities? Choose the synonym that best reflects the specific aspect you want to highlight.
- Formality: “Run for their money” is an idiomatic expression and is generally suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts. For more formal settings, consider using synonyms like “present a formidable challenge” or “compete effectively.”
- Intensity: Some synonyms convey a stronger sense of competition than others. For example, “compete fiercely” suggests a more intense rivalry than “compete well.” Choose the synonym that accurately reflects the level of competition.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure that the subject and verb in your sentence agree in number. For example, “The team makes the champion run for their money” is correct, while “The team make the champion run for their money” is incorrect.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using “run for their money” and its synonyms:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The team make the champion run for their money. | The team makes the champion run for their money. | Subject-verb agreement error. “Team” is singular, so the verb should be “makes.” |
| The new startup is run for their money the established company. | The new startup is making the established company run for its money. | Incorrect word order. The phrase needs to be used as a complete idiom. |
| She give him a run for his money yesterday. | She gave him a run for his money yesterday. | Incorrect verb tense. The past tense of “give” is “gave.” |
| The project is run for its money the deadline. | The project is making the team run for their money due to the deadline. | Misunderstanding the idiom. The deadline is causing the team to struggle. |
| Competing good with the established company. | Competing well with the established company. | Incorrect adverb usage. “Well” is the correct adverb to modify “competing.” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “run for their money” and its synonyms with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Choose the best synonym for “run for their money” in each sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| The new app is making the established software company __________. | a) a challenge b) compete fiercely c) struggle d) test | b) compete fiercely |
| This difficult project is going to __________ the team’s abilities. | a) challenge b) compete c) struggle d) test | d) test |
| The unexpected crisis forced the government to __________ to maintain control. | a) challenge b) compete c) struggle d) test | c) struggle |
| The small business is __________ the large corporation in the local market. | a) challenging b) competing c) struggling d) testing | a) challenging |
| The innovative design is __________ the existing product’s market share. | a) challenging b) competing c) struggling d) testing | a) challenging |
| The intense competition made the athletes __________ to win the gold medal. | a) challenge b) compete c) struggle d) test | c) struggle |
| The demanding client __________ the agency’s creativity and problem-solving skills. | a) challenge b) compete c) struggle d) test | d) test |
| The aggressive marketing campaign is __________ the rival company’s sales. | a) challenging b) competing c) struggling d) testing | a) challenging |
| The complex puzzle __________ the detective’s analytical skills. | a) challenge b) compete c) struggle d) test | d) test |
| The unexpected turn of events forced the negotiators to __________ to reach an agreement. | a) challenge b) compete c) struggle d) test | c) struggle |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using a synonym for “run for their money.”
- The new restaurant is making the old favorite run for its money. (Use “compete”)
- The challenging exam made the students run for their money. (Use “test”)
- The aggressive competitor is making the market leader run for their money. (Use “struggle”)
- The innovative startup is making the established corporation run for their money. (Use “challenge”)
- The intense pressure made the seasoned leader run for their money. (Use “test”)
- The rising star is making the veteran actor run for their money. (Use “compete”)
- The unexpected setback made the project team run for their money. (Use “struggle”)
- The demanding client made the agency run for their money. (Use “challenge”)
- The rigorous training made the athletes run for their money. (Use “test”)
- The complex problem made the scientists run for their money. (Use “struggle”)
Answers to Exercise 2:
- The new restaurant is competing fiercely with the old favorite.
- The challenging exam tested the students’ knowledge.
- The aggressive competitor is forcing the market leader to struggle to maintain dominance.
- The innovative startup is presenting a challenge to the established corporation.
- The intense pressure tested the seasoned leader’s composure.
- The rising star is competing effectively with the veteran actor.
- The unexpected setback made the project team struggle to recover.
- The demanding client challenged the agency’s creativity and problem-solving skills.
- The rigorous training tested the athletes’ endurance.
- The complex problem made the scientists struggle to understand it.
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects:
- Figurative Language: Explore how “run for their money” and its synonyms contribute to figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, in literature and speeches.
- Cultural Context: Research how similar idioms are expressed in other languages and cultures, highlighting the universal concept of competition and challenge.
- Historical Evolution: Trace the historical origins of the idiom “run for their money” and how its meaning has evolved over time.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about “run for their money” and its synonyms:
- What is the origin of the idiom “run for their money”?
The exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, but it likely stems from gambling or racing contexts where someone is competing for a prize (money). It suggests that the person is giving a good effort and making the favorite work for their winnings.
- Is “run for his/her/its money” always used in a competitive context?
Yes, it almost always implies a competitive situation. However, the “competition” can be metaphorical. For example, a difficult task can “make someone run for their money” in the sense that it requires a lot of effort and skill.
- Can “run for their money” be used in a positive way?
Yes, it can be used positively. It often implies respect for the challenger who is performing well, even if they don’t ultimately win. It suggests that they put up a good fight and made the victor earn their success.
- Are there any regional variations in the usage of this idiom?
No, there are no significant regional variations in its usage within the English-speaking world. The meaning and application of the idiom are consistent across different regions.
- What are some formal alternatives to “run for their money”?
Formal alternatives include “present a formidable challenge,” “compete effectively,” “pose a stiff competition,” or “require significant effort.”
- How can I improve my understanding of idioms like “run for their money”?
Read widely, pay attention to how native speakers use idioms in conversation, and practice using them yourself. Look up the origins and meanings of unfamiliar idioms to deepen your understanding.
- Is it appropriate to use “run for their money” in business writing?
It depends on the tone and audience. In a formal report, it might be too informal. However, in a less formal internal memo or presentation, it could be appropriate if used judiciously.
- What is the difference between “give someone a run for their money” and “make someone run for their money”?
“Give someone a run for their money” implies that you are the one challenging them and making them work hard. “Make someone run for their money” implies that something or someone is causing them to face a strong challenge.
Conclusion
Mastering the idiom “run for their money” and its synonyms is a valuable asset for any English language learner. By understanding the nuances of each synonym and their appropriate contexts, you can express competitive scenarios with greater precision and flair.
Remember to consider the specific aspect of the competition you want to emphasize, the level of formality required, and the intensity of the rivalry. With practice and attention to detail, you can confidently use these phrases to enhance your communication skills.
Continue to explore the rich tapestry of the English language, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different idioms and expressions. The more you immerse yourself in the language, the more fluent and confident you will become.