0

I’ve hear it before, but can’t seem to find an actually source that says it is a common phrase used. As far as I know, it means to kick someone out. But let me know if you’ve used it before or if it is correct to use such expression.

|improve this question
  • What do you mean "slang" there, buckeroo? – tchrist♦ Sep 2 '18 at 18:16
  • 1
    It is a common expression. I have heard it all my life. To run someone out is more forceful and faster than to kick someone out. A man may be kicked out of a bar by the bar's owner, but he is run out of a town by several people acting together. – Theresa Sep 2 '18 at 19:29
  • There's a strong distinction in my part of the US between run someone out of someplace and run someone out to someplace. The former has the meaning you describe, and is relatively rare (because, fortunately, the action is nowadays rare). The latter means to take someone (usually in a car) to the location and is pretty common. As in "I promised to run my neighbor out to the airport tomorrow* or I'll be in right after I run my kid out to pick up some school supplies we forgot. The "out" can often be omitted; I think it shows up especially when the destination is outside of town. – 1006a Sep 4 '18 at 3:36
1

to run someone out OED

P5. orig. U.S. to ride (also run) a person (out) on a rail: to carry or parade a person astride a rail as a punishment (now hist.); (fig.) to punish or drive away with ridicule.

Yes, it is correct AmE, as in:

1935 J. T. Farrell Judgment Day

They ought to be jailed, run out of town on a rail, tarred and feathered.

and

1975 J. Gores Hammett

They just about ran him out of St. Mary's County, Maryland, on a rail.

and

1991 Outrage

They're probably not fresh faces at all—perhaps they've just been ridden out of Adelaide on a rail.

|improve this answer
  • 1
    A batsman or batswoman can be 'run out' in cricket. – Michael Harvey Sep 2 '18 at 19:52

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.