Run like the wind

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does Run like the wind mean? In what situations is Run like the wind used?

Meaning of "Run like the wind"

Meaning

The phrase "run like the wind" is an English idiom used to describe someone moving with great speed. It is usually used to emphasize that the speed of the person must be exceptionally quick or fast. The origin of the phrase is likely to be related to the fact that the wind itself is almost impossible to outrun, so the comparison with this force of nature implies that the person in question is incredibly fast. The phrase can also be used in the figurative sense to refer to something other than literal movement, such as a process, event or strive to complete something quickly.

Etymology

The phrase "run like the wind" first appeared in literature in the early 19th century in the Oliver Twist novel by Charles Dickens in 1838. In the first chapter of the book, a young Oliver is said to have “run like the wind” when he was escaping from a group of pickpockets. This phrase has become a popular part of English vernacular ever since, with further mentions in famous novels and works of literature. However, the etymology of the phrase can be traced back to a much earlier origin. The concept of the wind as an unstoppable force of nature was a popular theme in ancient Greek mythology, where several gods and creatures were said to have wings made of wind. This imagery was likely used to describe the strength and speed of motion.

Usage

The phrase "run like the wind" is often used to describe someone who is very quick in their movement and can almost be equated with a force of nature. It is commonly used in the colloquial sense to emphasize the speed of motion, but can also be used in a more figurative sense. In this sense, the phrase can refer to a process, strive or event that is expected to be completed in a very short space of time. It can also be used in place of a verb in order to indicate that something must be done very quickly. For example, "We need to run like the wind to meet our deadline".

Example Sentences

• She ran like the wind and was out of sight in a matter of seconds.
• We need to run like the wind if we