run for life

run for (one's) life

To run as fast as one possibly can, as if (or because) one is in a dangerous or grave situation. We ran for our lives when we heard that a lion had escaped from its cage. I ran for my life trying to get to the train on time, but it began pulling away just as I got to the platform. You'll have to run for your life if you want to have any chance of qualifying for the varsity team.See also: life, run

run for one's life

to run away to save one's life. The dam has burst! Run for your life! The captain told us all to run for our lives.See also: life, run