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Run for the Roses

What Does "Run for the Roses" Mean?

homeidiomsRun for the Roses
"Run for the roses" is an English idiom often associated with the kentucky derby, a prestigious horse race, symbolizing the pursuit of excellence, victory, or achievement.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "run for the roses" used in a sentence:
  • Winning the championship felt like running for the roses, as it was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
  • Receiving the award was a moment of running for the roses in her career, representing the highest honor in her field.
  • In the competitive world of business, entrepreneurs often strive to run for the roses by achieving industry recognition and success.
meaning for run for the roses

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 for the Roses" 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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