run for it
B1 informal intransitive
In simple words
To suddenly run very fast to get away from something scary or dangerous
Literal meaning: To run in order to achieve 'it' (safety or escape) — fairly transparent in context
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To run as fast as possible in order to escape a dangerous or difficult situation
"When the guard looked away, the prisoners decided to run for it."
""Run for it!" — shouted as the shark approaches in the film Jaws (1975)."
— Jaws, directed by Steven Spielberg, 1975
Usage notes
Always used as a fixed phrase; the 'it' cannot be replaced by a noun. Often used as a command or decision in urgent situations.
Commonly used with
decide shout told chance opportunity signal
Forms
Base
run for it
I/you/we/they
3rd person
runs for it
he/she/it
Past simple
ran for it
yesterday
Past participle
run for it
have + pp
-ing form
running for it
continuous
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