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Run Across

What Does "Run Across" Mean?

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"Run across" is an English idiom. It means "to encounter or come across someone or something unexpectedly or by chance; to meet or discover by accident."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "run across" used in a sentence:
  • While hiking in the wilderness, they were thrilled to run across a rare species of bird that they had never seen before.
  • She ran across an old friend from high school at a local café, sparking a nostalgic conversation and plans to reconnect.
  • During their travels, they often ran across hidden gems and unique experiences that made their journey even more memorable.
meaning for run across

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Run Across" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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