run-in
/'rʌn'in/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An angry dispute or argument: A "run-in" is a brief, often heated, conflict or disagreement between people.
Usage
- The word "run-in" is used as a countable noun, typically preceded by articles like "a" or "the." It describes a confrontation, often unexpected or unpleasant.
- It is commonly used in informal contexts to describe arguments with authority figures (like police or bosses) or minor clashes with acquaintances.
Examples
- Noun:
- He had a run-in with his neighbor over the loud music.
- The manager's run-in with the client was resolved quickly.
- She avoided a run-in with the law by paying the fine promptly.
Advanced Usage
- "To have a run-in with someone": This is the most common collocation, meaning to experience a conflict or argument with a specific person or entity.
- The journalist had a run-in with a government official during the press conference.
Variants and Related Words
- Run-in (as a noun in printing): In a completely different, specialized context (typography/publishing), a "run-in" can refer to text where paragraphs continue without starting on a new line. This meaning is unrelated to the primary definition of a dispute.
- The glossary was formatted as a run-in to save space.
Synonyms
- Argument: A situation where people disagree, often angrily.
- Quarrel: An angry argument or disagreement.
- Altercation: A noisy argument or confrontation.
- Disagreement: A lack of consensus or harmony.
- Clash: A conflict or disagreement.
Related Phrases
- Brush with the law: A minor, brief encounter or conflict with police or legal authorities. This is similar to "a run-in with the law."
- His first run-in with the law was for speeding.
Notes
- The term "run-in" should not be confused with the phrasal verb "run in," which has separate meanings such as "to arrest someone" or "to break in a new engine."
- The primary and most common meaning of the noun "run-in" is a quarrel or dispute.
Noun
- an angry dispute
- they had a quarrel
- they had words