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run through

B1 neutral separable both
In simple words

To practise or go through something step by step, or when a feeling or rumour spreads fast through a group of people

Literal meaning: To run from one end of something to the other — the review sense is a natural extension

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To practise or review something completely from beginning to end

"The director asked the cast to run through the first act one more time."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

For a feeling, idea, or information to spread quickly through a person or group

"A wave of excitement ran through the crowd when the winner was announced."

""A murmur ran through the crowd.""

— Widely attested narrative phrasing; Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities (similar construction used throughout)
Grammar: inseparable
3 C1 idiomatic formal

(Literary) To pierce or stab someone with a sword or similar weapon

"The hero ran his enemy through with a single thrust of the blade."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

The rehearsal/review sense is extremely common in professional, educational, and theatrical settings. The stabbing sense is literary. 'A chill ran through me' is a common figurative pattern.

Commonly used with

checklist scene procedure options chill crowd

Forms

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

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