Run somebody/something to earth/ground

usgb
verb

To find or catch someone or something after a difficult search.

After a long investigation, the detectives finally ran the thief to ground.
Visual representation of "run somebody/something to earth/ground" - To find or catch someone or something after a difficult search.

Often appears as...

  • run a criminal to ground
  • run an evidence to ground

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "run somebody/something to earth/ground"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Persistence Implied

The phrase suggests a long, persistent search before success.

Illustration for Persistence Implied
The journalist ran the story to earth after months of investigation.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Hunt

Metaphorically compares searching for someone or something to hunting.

Illustration for Metaphorical Hunt
They ran the missing artifact to ground in an old warehouse.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Difficult Endeavor

The phrase often indicates a challenging task that requires effort.

Illustration for Difficult Endeavor
The team ran the software bug to ground after weeks of testing.
Visual representation of the word "Run somebody/something to earth/ground"

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