run agianst

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To encounter or collide with: "run against" means to come into conflict with or to meet unexpectedly, often implying a physical or metaphorical obstacle.
    • To oppose or compete with: In a competitive context, it means to contend against someone or something, such as in an election or race.
Usage Examples

  • To encounter or collide with:

    • The ship ran against the rocks in the storm. (The ship collided with the rocks.)
    • His proposal ran against strong opposition from the board. (His idea encountered significant resistance.)

  • To oppose or compete with:

    • She decided to run against the incumbent in the election. (She chose to compete against the current office-holder.)
    • The new policy runs against the company's traditional values. (The policy conflicts with established principles.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to run against the grain": to go against the natural tendency or usual way of doing things.

    • His independent thinking always runs against the grain of the team. (His ideas oppose the group's usual approach.)

  • "to run against the clock": to be in a hurry to complete something within a time limit.

    • The team ran against the clock to finish the project. (They worked urgently against a deadline.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Run (v): the base verb meaning to move quickly or operate.
    • He runs every morning. (He moves at a fast pace.)
  • Against (prep): in opposition to or in contact with.
    • She leaned against the wall. (She rested in contact with the wall.)
Synonyms
  • Encounter: to meet or come across (often unexpectedly).
  • Collide with: to hit or strike against.
  • Oppose: to be in conflict or competition with.
Phrasal Verbs
  • Run up against: to encounter a problem or difficulty.
    • We ran up against a lack of funding. (We faced a financial obstacle.)
Related Idioms

  • Run counter to: to be in opposition or conflict with.

    • His actions run counter to his words. (His deeds contradict his statements.)

  • Run afoul of: to come into conflict with, especially the law or rules.

    • He ran afoul of the regulations by ignoring safety procedures. (He violated the rules.)