Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To use something completely or rapidly, to deplete a resource: To consume or exhaust a supply, often quickly or wastefully.
   • To rehearse, review, or practice something from beginning to end: To go over the details or steps of a plan, performance, or procedure.
   • To pervade or be present throughout something: To be a common feature or characteristic in various parts of a whole.

Usage and Examples

• Meaning: To use up or deplete:

  • They run through their monthly budget in just two weeks.
  • The project ran through all our available funds.

• Meaning: To rehearse or review thoroughly:

  • Let's run through the presentation one more time before the meeting.
  • The conductor ran through the difficult section with the orchestra.

• Meaning: To pervade or be present throughout:

  • A sense of excitement runs through her latest novel.
  • A common theme runs through all his speeches.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "to run someone through": This is a separate phrasal verb meaning to pierce or stab someone with a sword or blade.

  • The knight ran his opponent through with his lance.

• "to run through something" (idiomatic, meaning to discuss quickly): To mention or list items rapidly.

  • He ran through the main points of the report.

Variants and Related Words

• Run-through (noun): A rehearsal or complete practice from start to finish.

  • We need a final run-through before the show opens.

• Running (adjective): Continuous or ongoing.

• Runner (noun): A person or thing that runs.

Synonyms

• Deplete / Exhaust / Consume: For the meaning of using up resources.
• Rehearse / Practice / Go over: For the meaning of reviewing.
• Pervade / Characterize / Infuse: For the meaning of being present throughout.

Phrasal Verbs

• Run through is itself a phrasal verb. The related form "run over" can sometimes overlap in the sense of reviewing quickly.
  • Could you run over the instructions again? (similar to 'run through' for review)

Related Idioms

• "to have money to burn / to run through money": To spend money very quickly and carelessly.
  • He inherited a fortune but ran through it in a year.
• "A thread runs through...": Used to describe a connecting idea or theme.
  • A thread of melancholy runs through all her poetry.

Verb

1. use up (resources or materials)
   • this car consumes a lot of gas
   • We exhausted our savings
   • They run through 20 bottles of wine a week
2. apply thoroughly; think through
   • We worked through an example