Run somebody/something to earth/ground

Definition 1 of 1

Pro Tip 1/3

The phrase suggests a long, persistent search before success.

The journalist ran the story to earth after months of investigation.

Pro Tip 2/3

Metaphorically compares searching for someone or something to hunting.

They ran the missing artifact to ground in an old warehouse.

Pro Tip 3/3

The phrase often indicates a challenging task that requires effort.

The team ran the software bug to ground after weeks of testing.

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