Synonyms for “run for their money” include phrases like give strong competition, challenge closely, keep up with, rival effectively, go head-to-head, and push to the limit. Each synonym conveys the idea of making things difficult for an opponent or matching someone’s performance.
For example, instead of saying “The rookie gave the champion a run for his money,” you could say “The rookie offered strong competition to the champion.” These alternatives work well in sports commentary, business contexts, and casual conversation.
Definition of “Run for Their Money”
The idiom “give someone a run for their money” means to provide strong competition to someone, making it difficult for them to win or succeed. This expression implies that the person or entity being challenged is forced to exert significant effort and skill to maintain their position or achieve their goal.
It’s often used in contexts involving sports, business, or any situation where there is a contest or competition. The phrase highlights the competitive nature of the interaction and the effort required by the one being challenged.
The idiom can be classified as an idiomatic expression, belonging to the broader category of figurative language. Its function is to convey a sense of strong competition and challenge, adding color and emphasis to the description of a competitive scenario. The contexts in which it is used are typically those involving contests, rivalries, and situations where individuals or groups are vying for the same objective. Think of a close race, a tough negotiation, or a challenging business deal; these are all appropriate contexts for this idiom.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of the idiom “give someone a run for their money” is relatively straightforward. It consists of the verb “give”, the indirect object “someone”, the phrase “a run”, the preposition “for”, and the possessive pronoun “their” followed by the noun “money”.
The core meaning revolves around the idea of providing a challenge that is valuable or significant, metaphorically represented by the word “money”.
The subject of the sentence is typically the person or entity providing the challenge. The verb “give” indicates the act of providing or offering something.
“Someone” refers to the person or organization being challenged. The phrase “a run for their money” is the heart of the idiom, symbolizing the intense competition or difficulty being presented.
The possessive pronoun “their” indicates that the “money” belongs to the person being challenged, and the noun “money” represents something valuable that they are at risk of losing or having to work hard to keep. The entire phrase works together to create a vivid image of a competitive struggle.
Types of Synonyms for Run for Their Money
Several synonyms and related expressions can be used to convey the same meaning as “give someone a run for their money.” These alternatives offer different nuances and can be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Here are some of the most common and effective substitutes:
Challenge Strongly
This phrase emphasizes the act of presenting a significant challenge. It focuses on the effort made to compete and the difficulty imposed on the opponent.
“Challenge strongly” can be used in various contexts, from sports to academics to business.
Compete Fiercely
This synonym highlights the intensity and determination of the competition. It suggests a high level of effort and a strong desire to win.
“Compete fiercely” is particularly suitable for situations involving direct competition, such as sporting events or business rivalries.
Provide Strong Opposition
This expression emphasizes the act of resisting or opposing someone’s efforts. It suggests a determined effort to prevent the opponent from achieving their goals.
“Provide strong opposition” is often used in political or legal contexts, but it can also apply to other competitive situations.
Make It Difficult
This phrase focuses on the act of creating obstacles or challenges for someone. It suggests that the opponent is forced to work harder and overcome difficulties to succeed.
“Make it difficult” is a versatile expression that can be used in a wide range of contexts.
Push to Their Limits
This synonym emphasizes the act of forcing someone to exert maximum effort and skill. It suggests that the opponent is challenged to perform at their best.
“Push to their limits” is often used in situations involving physical or mental endurance, such as sports or demanding jobs.
Examples
To further illustrate the usage of “give someone a run for their money” and its synonyms, here are several examples organized by category:
Challenge Strongly Examples
The following table provides examples of how to use “challenge strongly” in sentences. Each example demonstrates a different context and usage.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The underdog team challenged the champions strongly in the final game. | Sports |
| The new startup challenged the established corporation strongly with its innovative product. | Business |
| The student challenged the professor’s theory strongly during the debate. | Academics |
| The activist group challenged the government’s policy strongly through protests. | Politics |
| The artist challenged the traditional norms strongly with their avant-garde work. | Arts |
| Our sales team challenged the industry leader strongly by offering superior customer service. | Sales |
| The defense lawyer challenged the prosecution’s evidence strongly during the trial. | Law |
| The environmental organization challenged the company’s practices strongly with a detailed report. | Environmental Advocacy |
| The small bookstore challenged the large chain strongly by offering personalized recommendations. | Retail |
| The independent film challenged the blockbuster movie strongly at the film festival. | Entertainment |
| The local farmers challenged the large agricultural corporations strongly by promoting sustainable practices. | Agriculture |
| The community group challenged the developer’s plans strongly to preserve the local park. | Community Development |
| The junior employee challenged the senior manager strongly with insightful suggestions during the meeting. | Workplace Dynamics |
| The charity organization challenged the public’s apathy strongly with a compelling awareness campaign. | Charity |
| The online educator challenged traditional schooling strongly by offering flexible learning options. | Education |
| The citizen journalist challenged the mainstream media strongly by reporting unbiased news. | Journalism |
| The ethical hacker challenged the company’s cybersecurity strongly by identifying vulnerabilities. | Cybersecurity |
| The patient challenged the doctor’s diagnosis strongly by seeking a second opinion. | Healthcare |
| The architect challenged the conventional design principles strongly with an innovative building concept. | Architecture |
| The chef challenged the established culinary traditions strongly by experimenting with fusion cuisine. | Culinary Arts |
| The runner challenged the world record holder strongly in the marathon. | Athletics |
| The debater challenged the opponent’s arguments strongly with well-researched counterpoints. | Debate |
| The inventor challenged existing technology strongly by creating a groundbreaking device. | Invention |
| The author challenged societal norms strongly through their provocative novel. | Literature |
| The musician challenged genre conventions strongly by blending different styles. | Music |
Compete Fiercely Examples
The following table provides examples of how to use “compete fiercely” in sentences, showcasing its application across different situations.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The two athletes competed fiercely for the gold medal. | Sports |
| The rival companies competed fiercely for market share. | Business |
| The students competed fiercely for the top grade in the class. | Academics |
| The political parties competed fiercely for voter support. | Politics |
| The artists competed fiercely for the prestigious award. | Arts |
| The sales teams competed fiercely to exceed their quarterly targets. | Sales |
| The law firms competed fiercely to represent the high-profile client. | Law |
| The environmental groups competed fiercely to secure funding for their projects. | Environmental Advocacy |
| The restaurants competed fiercely to attract customers during the food festival. | Retail/Food Service |
| The film studios competed fiercely to produce the next blockbuster movie. | Entertainment |
| The farmers competed fiercely to sell their produce at the local market. | Agriculture |
| The construction companies competed fiercely to win the contract for the new building. | Construction |
| The job applicants competed fiercely for the coveted position at the company. | Employment |
| The charities competed fiercely to raise funds for their respective causes. | Charity |
| The universities competed fiercely to attract the best students. | Education |
| The news outlets competed fiercely to break the latest story. | Journalism |
| The cybersecurity firms competed fiercely to protect their clients from cyberattacks. | Cybersecurity |
| The hospitals competed fiercely to provide the best patient care. | Healthcare |
| The architectural firms competed fiercely to design the iconic landmark. | Architecture |
| The chefs competed fiercely to create the most innovative dish. | Culinary Arts |
| The race car drivers competed fiercely for the championship title. | Motorsports |
| The debaters competed fiercely to win the national debate competition. | Debate |
| The inventors competed fiercely to patent their groundbreaking inventions. | Invention |
| The authors competed fiercely to top the bestseller lists. | Literature |
| The musicians competed fiercely to win the prestigious music award. | Music |
Provide Strong Opposition Examples
The table below demonstrates how “provide strong opposition” is used in various contexts, highlighting its role in expressing resistance or challenge.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The opposition party provided strong opposition to the proposed legislation. | Politics |
| The union provided strong opposition to the company’s new policies. | Labor Relations |
| The environmental group provided strong opposition to the construction of the pipeline. | Environmental Advocacy |
| The local residents provided strong opposition to the development of the shopping mall. | Community Development |
| The defense team provided strong opposition to the prosecution’s case. | Law |
| The scientists provided strong opposition to the pseudoscientific claims. | Science |
| The human rights organization provided strong opposition to the government’s human rights abuses. | Human Rights |
| The consumer advocacy group provided strong opposition to the deceptive marketing practices. | Consumer Protection |
| The academic community provided strong opposition to the censorship of research. | Academics |
| The medical professionals provided strong opposition to the unproven medical treatments. | Healthcare |
| The free speech advocates provided strong opposition to the restrictions on freedom of expression. | Civil Liberties |
| The indigenous communities provided strong opposition to the exploitation of their lands. | Indigenous Rights |
| The animal rights activists provided strong opposition to the cruel treatment of animals. | Animal Welfare |
| The anti-war movement provided strong opposition to the military intervention. | Peace Activism |
| The privacy advocates provided strong opposition to the government surveillance programs. | Privacy Rights |
| The open-source community provided strong opposition to the proprietary software restrictions. | Technology |
| The whistleblower provided strong opposition to the corporate corruption. | Ethics |
| The fiscal conservatives provided strong opposition to the government spending policies. | Economics |
| The social justice advocates provided strong opposition to the systemic inequalities. | Social Justice |
| The educational reformers provided strong opposition to the outdated teaching methods. | Education Reform |
| The small business owners provided strong opposition to the monopolistic practices of the large corporations. | Business Ethics |
| The patient’s family provided strong opposition to the hospital’s decision to discontinue treatment. | Medical Ethics |
| The art critics provided strong opposition to the artist’s controversial exhibition. | Art Criticism |
| The literary scholars provided strong opposition to the author’s revisionist interpretation of the classic text. | Literary Analysis |
| The musicologists provided strong opposition to the composer’s unconventional musical style. | Music Theory |
Make It Difficult Examples
This table shows how “make it difficult” can be used to indicate the creation of challenges for someone, making their success harder to achieve.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The constant rain made it difficult for the construction crew to finish the project on time. | Construction |
| The new regulations made it difficult for small businesses to compete with larger corporations. | Business |
| The complex exam questions made it difficult for the students to score high grades. | Academics |
| The strict border controls made it difficult for refugees to seek asylum. | Immigration |
| The lack of funding made it difficult for the research team to conduct their experiments. | Science |
| The political instability made it difficult for foreign investors to enter the market. | Economics |
| The bureaucratic red tape made it difficult for citizens to access government services. | Government |
| The high cost of living made it difficult for low-income families to make ends meet. | Social Issues |
| The limited access to healthcare made it difficult for rural communities to receive adequate medical care. | Healthcare |
| The discrimination against minorities made it difficult for them to achieve equal opportunities. | Social Justice |
| The censorship of information made it difficult for journalists to report the truth. | Journalism |
| The lack of infrastructure made it difficult for businesses to operate in the remote areas. | Infrastructure |
| The cyberattacks made it difficult for companies to protect their sensitive data. | Cybersecurity |
| The natural disasters made it difficult for communities to recover and rebuild. | Disaster Relief |
| The trade barriers made it difficult for countries to engage in international commerce. | International Trade |
| The language barrier made it difficult for immigrants to integrate into the new society. | Immigration/Social Integration |
| The outdated technology made it difficult for the company to stay competitive. | Technology |
| The complex legal system made it difficult for individuals to understand their rights. | Law |
| The corruption within the government made it difficult for citizens to trust their leaders. | Politics/Ethics |
| The lack of education made it difficult for people to find better employment opportunities. | Education/Employment |
| The stringent environmental regulations made it difficult for certain industries to operate profitably. | Environmental Policy |
| The constant changes in the market made it difficult for investors to predict future trends. | Finance/Investment |
| The increasing competition made it difficult for new artists to gain recognition. | Arts |
| The high interest rates made it difficult for people to afford mortgages. | Real Estate/Finance |
| The complex software interface made it difficult for users to learn how to use the program effectively. | Software Design/Usability |
Push to Their Limits Examples
The following table includes sentences that use “push to their limits,” illustrating how this phrase signifies challenging someone to perform at their absolute best.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The demanding coach pushed the athletes to their limits during training. | Sports |
| The challenging project pushed the engineers to their limits of creativity and problem-solving. | Engineering |
| The rigorous academic program pushed the students to their limits of intellectual capacity. | Academics |
| The intense competition pushed the entrepreneurs to their limits of innovation and resilience. | Business |
| The crisis situation pushed the emergency responders to their limits of physical and mental endurance. | Emergency Services |
| The demanding boss pushed the employees to their limits of productivity and efficiency. | Workplace Dynamics |
| The complex legal case pushed the lawyers to their limits of legal expertise and strategic thinking. | Law |
| The environmental challenges pushed the scientists to their limits of research and discovery. | Environmental Science |
| The financial constraints pushed the nonprofit organization to their limits of resourcefulness and fundraising. | Nonprofit Management |
| The artistic vision pushed the artists to their limits of self-expression and technical skill. | Arts |
| The medical emergency pushed the doctors to their limits of medical knowledge and surgical precision. | Healthcare |
| The technological advancements pushed the developers to their limits of programming and software design. | Technology |
| The political pressure pushed the diplomats to their limits of negotiation and compromise. | Diplomacy |
| The creative constraints pushed the designers to their limits of innovation and aesthetic sensibility. | Design |
| The performance demands pushed the musicians to their limits of musical talent and stage presence. | Music |
| The ethical dilemmas pushed the journalists to their limits of moral judgment and investigative reporting. | Journalism |
| The physical hardships pushed the explorers to their limits of survival and adaptability. | Exploration |
| The communication barriers pushed the translators to their limits of linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding. | Translation |
| The security threats pushed the cybersecurity experts to their limits of threat detection and prevention. | Cybersecurity |
| The logistical challenges pushed the event planners to their limits of organizational skill and problem-solving. | Event Planning |
| The tight deadlines pushed the writers to their limits of speed and creativity. | Writing |
| The constant changes in regulations pushed the compliance officers to their limits of adaptability and knowledge. | Compliance |
| The demanding customers pushed the customer service representatives to their limits of patience and problem-solving. | Customer Service |
| The weight of responsibility pushed the leaders to their limits of decision-making and strategic thinking. | Leadership |
| The constant evolution of technology pushed the IT professionals to their limits of learning and adaptation. | Information Technology |
Usage Rules
When using “give someone a run for their money” and its synonyms, it’s important to consider the context and the specific nuance you want to convey. Here are some general usage rules:
- Use the idiom when you want to emphasize the competitive nature of a situation. It suggests that the person being challenged is facing a significant threat to their position or goal.
- Choose synonyms based on the specific aspect of the competition you want to highlight. “Challenge strongly” emphasizes the act of challenging, “compete fiercely” emphasizes the intensity of the competition, “provide strong opposition” emphasizes resistance, “make it difficult” emphasizes the creation of obstacles, and “push to their limits” emphasizes the exertion of maximum effort.
- Ensure that the subject of the sentence is the person or entity providing the challenge. For example, “The underdog team gave the champions a run for their money.”
- Be mindful of the tone. The idiom and its synonyms can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation. For example, it can be used to praise someone for their competitive spirit or to criticize someone for being overly aggressive.
Common Mistakes
Several common mistakes can occur when using “give someone a run for their money” and its synonyms. Here are some examples of incorrect and correct usages:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The champions gave a run for their money to the underdog team. | The underdog team gave the champions a run for their money. | The subject should be the one providing the challenge. |
| The team gave a run for his money to the opponent. | The team gave the opponent a run for their money. | The possessive pronoun should agree with the person being challenged. |
| The company made it difficult for run their money. | The company made it difficult to run their business. | Confusing the idiom with a literal interpretation. |
| The athlete competed fiercely for run his money. | The athlete competed fiercely, giving his opponent a run for his money. | Incorrectly combining the synonym with the original idiom. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “give someone a run for their money” and its synonyms with the following exercises:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with the appropriate synonym for “give someone a run for their money”:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| The new software company _______ _______ the established tech giant with its innovative features. | challenged strongly |
| The two boxers _______ _______ for the championship belt, exchanging blow after blow. | competed fiercely |
| The environmental activists _______ _______ to the construction of the new oil pipeline. | provided strong opposition |
| The complex regulations _______ _______ for small businesses to thrive. | made it difficult |
| The demanding training regimen _______ _______ the athletes _______ _______, pushing them to their breaking points. | pushed, to their limits |
| Despite being the underdog, the team _______ _______ the favorites _______ _______ in the playoffs. | gave, a run for their money |
| The startup _______ _______ the industry leader _______ _______ with its disruptive technology. | gave, a run for their money |
| The students _______ _______ for the scholarship, each presenting impressive applications. | competed fiercely |
| The community members _______ _______ the city council’s decision to rezone the neighborhood. | provided strong opposition |
| The unexpected snowstorm _______ _______ for commuters to get to work on time. | made it difficult |
Exercise 2: Sentence Rewriting
Rewrite the following sentences using a synonym for “give someone a run for their money”:
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| The challenger gave the champion a run for their money in the debate. | The challenger challenged the champion strongly in the debate. |
| The two companies gave each other a run for their money in the bidding war. | The two companies competed fiercely in the bidding war. |
| The activists gave the government a run for their money with their persistent protests. | The activists provided strong opposition to the government with their persistent protests. |
| The new regulations gave small businesses a run for their money. | The new regulations made it difficult for small businesses to succeed. |
| The demanding instructor gave the students a run for their money. | The demanding instructor pushed the students to their limits. |
| The innovative startup gave the established corporation a run for their money. | The innovative startup challenged the established corporation strongly. |
| The two rivals gave each other a run for their money in the election. | The two rivals competed fiercely in the election. |
| The community group gave the developer a run for their money by opposing the construction project. | The community group provided strong opposition to the developer by opposing the construction project. |
| The complex tax laws gave individuals a run for their money when filing their returns. | The complex tax laws made it difficult for individuals when filing their returns. |
| The rigorous training program gave the athletes a run for their money. | The rigorous training program pushed the athletes to their limits. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, exploring the nuances of when to use specific synonyms can enhance their writing and speaking. Consider the emotional tone and the level of formality required by the context.
For instance, “compete fiercely” might be more appropriate for a sports commentary, while “provide strong opposition” could be better suited for a formal political analysis.
Another advanced topic is understanding the cultural context of these expressions. While the core meaning remains consistent, the way these phrases are received and interpreted can vary across cultures.
Being aware of these subtle differences can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure effective communication.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about “give someone a run for their money” and its synonyms:
What is the origin of the idiom “give someone a run for their money”?
The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely emerged from the world of horse racing or gambling, where “money” represents the prize or stakes. “Giving someone a run” implies making them work hard for their winnings, suggesting a close and competitive race.
Is it appropriate to use “give someone a run for their money” in formal writing?
While the idiom is widely understood, it’s generally considered informal. In formal writing, it’s often better to use a more direct and less figurative synonym, such as “challenge strongly” or “provide strong opposition,” depending on the context.
Can “give someone a run for their money” be used in a negative context?
Yes, although it’s often used positively to praise someone’s competitive spirit, it can also be used negatively to imply that someone is being overly aggressive or creating unnecessary difficulties. The context determines the tone.
What are some other idioms related to competition?
Other related idioms include “neck and neck,” “nip and tuck,” “level playing field,” and “raise the bar.” Each of these idioms conveys a different aspect of competition and challenge.
How do I choose the best synonym for “give someone a run for their money” in a given situation?
Consider the specific aspect of the competition you want to emphasize. If you want to highlight the act of challenging, use “challenge strongly.” If you want to emphasize the intensity of the competition, use “compete fiercely.” If you want to emphasize resistance, use “provide strong opposition.” If you want to emphasize the creation of obstacles, use “make it difficult.” And if you want to emphasize the exertion of maximum effort, use “push to their limits.”
Is there a difference in meaning between “give someone a run for their money” and “make life difficult for someone”?
While both phrases imply creating challenges for someone, “give someone a run for their money” specifically suggests a competitive situation, whereas “make life difficult for someone” can apply to a broader range of situations, including those where there is no direct competition but simply the imposition of hardships.
Can I use “give themselves a run for their money”?
No, the correct form is “give someone a run for *their* money.” The possessive pronoun “their” must agree with the person or entity being challenged.
Are there any regional variations in the usage of this idiom?
While the core meaning is consistent across English-speaking regions, there might be slight variations in the frequency of use or the specific contexts in which it is used. However, it is generally well-understood in most English-speaking countries.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of expressing competition and challenge is essential for effective communication in English. By understanding the meaning and usage of “give someone a run for their money” and its various synonyms, you can enhance your vocabulary, refine your expressive capabilities, and communicate more precisely and engagingly.
Remember to consider the context, tone, and specific nuance you want to convey when choosing the most appropriate expression.
Continue practicing with these idioms and synonyms in various contexts to solidify your understanding and develop fluency. Pay attention to how native speakers use these expressions in conversations, writing, and media to further refine your skills.
With consistent effort, you’ll be well-equipped to express the idea of strong competition in a variety of compelling and effective ways.