Run Like the Wind: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
September 4, 2023

The phrase "run like the wind" is a common way of saying that someone is running very fast. It is often used to encourage or praise someone running in a race, a game, or a chase. It can also describe someone moving quickly, not necessarily by running.

In short:

  • "Run like the wind" means to run very fast.
  • It is a simile that compares someone’s speed to the speed of the wind.
  • It can be used in different situations and contexts.

What Does "Run Like the Wind" Mean?

The phrase "run like the wind" is an example of a simile, which is a figure of speech that compares two things using the words "like" or "as." In this case, the phrase compares someone's speed to the speed of the wind, which is usually very fast and powerful. The term implies that someone runs as fast as possible or faster than anyone else.

Where Does "Run Like the Wind" Come From?

It is unclear when and where exactly the phrase "run like the wind" originated. However, some sources suggest it may have something to do with horse racing since horses are known for their speed and agility. One of the earliest recorded uses of the phrase was in a horse racing context.

Historical Example

"He ran like 'the wind,' distancing his competitors easily."

—an excerpt article from The Times newspaper in 1832

10 Examples of "Run Like the Wind" in Sentences

Here are examples of how to use "run like the wind" in sentences:

  • He was late for his flight, so he ran like the wind to catch his plane. Holy cow!
  • Fret not. Claire loves running marathons; she runs like the wind and always finishes first.
  • Oh my gosh! He saw a snake in his backyard and ran like the wind back into his house.
  • She was so scared of the haunted house that she ran like the wind as soon as she entered it.
  • Oh, snap. He ran like the wind when his mother called him on the carpet.
  • She runs like the wind every morning to keep fit and healthy. It's her daily grind.
  • Woot woot! Dominic had to run like the wind to catch the last train home.
  • No mean feat, but the horse ran like the wind and won the race by a mile.
  • No diggity. They ran like the wind to the concert on a time crunch.
  • Yaas! He ran like the wind to beat his record on the treadmill.

Examples of "Run Like the Wind" in Pop Culture

The phrase "run like the wind" has also been used in various forms of popular culture.

Here are some examples:

  • In Toy Story, a 1995 animated film by Pixar, Woody, a cowboy doll, tells Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger toy, to run like the wind when they are trying to escape from Sid, a boy who tortures toys. Woody says: "Come on! This way! Run like the wind, Buzz!"
  • In The Maze Runner, a 2009 novel by James Dashner, a sci-fi story about a group of boys trapped in a maze with deadly creatures, Thomas, the main protagonist, runs into the maze to save two of his friends. He thinks: "He ran like the wind, ignoring everything except his need to get to them."
  • In "Run Like The Wind," a 2011 song by Christopher Cross, an American pop singer-songwriter, the singer reflects on his life and regrets. He sings: "I was born in the city / I was raised on its edge / My pop worked hard / He gave us kids the best he could / Now I'm gone and I ain't lookin' back / I'm running like the wind on a one way track."
  • In Mirror's Edge, a 2008 video game by Electronic Arts, the player controls Faith, a runner who delivers messages in a dystopian city. The game's tagline is: "Run free. Run fast. Run like the wind."

Other Ways to Say "Run Like the Wind"

Some different ways to say "run like the wind" are:

  • Sprint like lightning
  • Dash like a bullet
  • Race like a rocket
  • Zoom like a jet
  • Bolt like a cheetah

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Run Like the Wind"

Here are some common questions and answers about the phrase "run like the wind":

  • What does "run like the wind" mean?

The phrase "run like the wind" is a common way of saying that someone is running very fast. It is often used to encourage or praise someone running in a race, a game, or a chase. It can also describe someone moving quickly, not necessarily by running.

  • What is the origin of the term "run like the wind"?

It is unclear when and where exactly the phrase "run like the wind" originated. However, some sources suggest it may have something to do with horse racing since horses are known for their speed and agility. One of the earliest recorded uses of the phrase was in a horse racing context.

  • What are some synonyms for "run like the wind"?

Some synonyms for "run like the wind" are sprinting, dashing, racing, zooming, bolting, and flying.

  • What is the opposite of "running like the wind"?

Some antonyms for "running like the wind" are crawling like a snail, walking like a turtle, moving like a sloth, dragging like a weight, and limping like an injured animal.

  • What is the difference between "running" and "jogging"?

Running and jogging are both forms of exercise that involve moving at a certain speed with both feet off the ground at some point. However, running is generally faster and more intense than jogging, which is slower and more relaxed.

  • How do you use the idiom "run like the wind" in a sentence?

You can use the idiom "run like the wind" in a sentence by placing it after a subject and a verb that indicate running or moving quickly.

  • What are some common mistakes or misconceptions about the phrase "run like the wind"?

Some common mistakes or misconceptions about the idiom "run like the wind" are confusing it with other expressions that involve running and thinking that it literally means to "run as fast as the wind," which is impossible for humans.

  • What are some benefits of "running"?

Running is a great way to improve your physical and mental health. It strengthens your heart and lungs, burns calories, and helps you lose weight. In addition, it lowers your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, boosts your immune system, and reduces the risk of diseases.

  • What are some challenges of "running"?

It can cause injuries and pain if you overdo it or don’t warm up properly, it can be tedious and monotonous if you run on the same route or pace every time, and it can be affected by the weather and the environment.

  • What are some famous "running" events?

The Boston Marathon, The New York City Marathon, The London Marathon, The Great Wall Marathon, The Color Run, and more.

Final Thoughts About "Run Like the Wind"

"Run like the wind" is a common idiom and expressive way of saying someone is running fast. For centuries, it has been used in different languages and cultures to describe speed and movement.

In summary:

  • "Run like the wind" means to run very fast.
  • It is a simile that compares someone's speed to the speed of the wind.
  • It originated from horse racing in the 19th century.
  • It has many variations and related expressions.
  • It has many synonyms and antonyms that convey different degrees of speed.
  • It has many benefits and challenges that come with running.

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