Run somebody/something into the ground
verb
To use something a great deal, until it can no longer function or can no longer be used.
He drove his old truck for so many miles, he ran it into the ground.
Often appears as...
- ran his car into the ground
- ran her computer into the ground
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To make someone extremely tired by making them work or do activities.
She became exhausted because her boss was running her into the ground at work.
Often appears as...
- running himself into the ground
- running me into the ground
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To continually criticize someone or speak ill of them until their reputation is damaged.
He kept spreading false rumors about his business rival, essentially trying to run him into the ground.
Often appears as...
- running his name into the ground
- running her reputation into the ground
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To use something a great deal, until it can no longer function or can no longer be used.
He drove his old truck for so many miles, he ran it into the ground.
Often appears as...
- ran his car into the ground
- ran her computer into the ground
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To make someone extremely tired by making them work or do activities.
She became exhausted because her boss was running her into the ground at work.
Often appears as...
- running himself into the ground
- running me into the ground
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To continually criticize someone or speak ill of them until their reputation is damaged.
He kept spreading false rumors about his business rival, essentially trying to run him into the ground.
Often appears as...
- running his name into the ground
- running her reputation into the ground
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Wear
Used metaphorically for objects, indicating excessive use leading to their deterioration.
We played that video game so much, we ran it into the ground.
Pro Tip 2/3Physical Limit
Implies something has been used beyond its physical limits, not just worn out.
That old printer has been ran into the ground; it won't even turn on anymore.
Pro Tip 3/3End of Usefulness
When something is 'run into the ground', it often suggests it's no longer usable.
After years of neglect, the farm equipment was run into the ground.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Wear
Used metaphorically for objects, indicating excessive use leading to their deterioration.
We played that video game so much, we ran it into the ground.
Pro Tip 2/3Physical Limit
Implies something has been used beyond its physical limits, not just worn out.
That old printer has been ran into the ground; it won't even turn on anymore.
Pro Tip 3/3End of Usefulness
When something is 'run into the ground', it often suggests it's no longer usable.
After years of neglect, the farm equipment was run into the ground.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Wear
Used metaphorically for objects, indicating excessive use leading to their deterioration.
We played that video game so much, we ran it into the ground.
Pro Tip 2/3Physical Limit
Implies something has been used beyond its physical limits, not just worn out.
That old printer has been ran into the ground; it won't even turn on anymore.
Pro Tip 3/3End of Usefulness
When something is 'run into the ground', it often suggests it's no longer usable.
After years of neglect, the farm equipment was run into the ground.
Never forget "Run somebody/something into the ground"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension