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run behind

B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

to be later than expected

Literal meaning: to move behind something while running

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

to be late compared with a planned or expected time

"Sorry I'm late — the meeting ran behind."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Common for schedules, meetings, transport, and personal routines.

Commonly used with

schedule time train meeting project class

Forms

Base
run behind
I/you/we/they
3rd person
runs behind
he/she/it
Past simple
ran behind
yesterday
Past participle
run behind
have + pp
-ing form
running behind
continuous

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Synonyms

be late fall behind be behind schedule lag overrun

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