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I got a note from a fortune cookie, which says:

" Never gonna run around and desert you"

I was wondering what does "run around" means here. Similar to runaway?

4 Answers 4

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To run around is an informal, almost slang-like expression similar in meaning to "fool around". To run around means when a spouse or lover is acting unfaithful and/or goes on dates with different people.

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  • Also, it's a line from “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley. Perhaps we've been Rick-rolled. Aug 2, 2013 at 5:27
  • I thought it sounded familiar!
    – Mari-Lou A
    Aug 2, 2013 at 5:29
  • Run around also means run around as in I ran around Chicago.
    – Noah
    Aug 2, 2013 at 5:56
  • @Noah Yes, it can do but not in this instance. How would you explain otherwise the "...and desert you" ending?
    – Mari-Lou A
    Aug 2, 2013 at 5:58
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No. In context of couples, "run around" means to "fool around" or "be unfaithful." It also means simply to "gad about" or "travel within an area." In both cases there's an implication of a possible return to origin (to location or to romantic partner). To run away means to leave, in one direction, without an implication of returning.

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The phrase 'Never gonna run around and desert you' is one of the 8 things Rick Astley would never do to you. I once cracked open a fortune cookie which said: 'A small child's testimony will send you to prison.' I explained to my date there was a mistake--a cookie from a batch intended for a Catholic priests' luncheon had somehow been delivered to the wrong address.

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To "run around" means temporarily deviating from one's intended path. To "run away" means having no intention of returning. So, a person could run around an obstacle while running away from home.

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