the rat race

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase the rat race, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression the rat race used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "the rat race"

Meaning

The term 'the rat race' is an idiom used to describe a busy and competitive lifestyle, often referring to the daily grind of going to work and trying to provide for oneself and one's family. It can also refer to the stress and anxiety people often feel when faced with this way of living and the pursuit of material goods. The term originated in the 1950s and has been popularized in recent years due to the increasing prevalence of the competitive, fast-paced lifestyle.

Etymology

The term 'rat race' was first popularized in the 1950s and is believed to have originated from the phrase 'rat race of life'. This phrase was originally used in a British magazine article in 1941, and it was not until the 1950s that the phrase was used to refer to the daily grind of working and pursuing material goods. The phrase was further popularized after being used by the American philosopher and writer Erich Fromm in his book Escape from Freedom in 1941.

Usage

The term 'rat race' is typically used in a negative connotation, referring to the struggles and anxieties associated with the competitive and fast-paced lifestyle. It is often used to describe the feeling of being stuck in a never-ending cycle of working and trying to buy material goods and is associated with the stress of this kind of lifestyle. It is also used to describe the lack of personal freedom associated with this kind of lifestyle.

Example Sentences

• I'm so tired of being stuck in the rat race. I just want to be free and enjoy life.
• He's been working in the rat race for years and he's ready for a break.
• This job keeps me running in the rat race day after day.
• My parents never wanted me to get stuck in the rat race like they did.
• I'm tired of going through the rat race every day and not getting anywhere.

The power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.