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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Give someone a run for their money

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

Compete so well that another person or group cannot win easily.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. Our small team gave the champions a run for their money.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

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Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

Compete so well that another person or group cannot win easily.
Show the answer

Give someone a run for their money — Compete so well that another person or group cannot win easily.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Give someone a run for their money” about your own life.

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Does your sentence match this meaning?

Compete so well that another person or group cannot win easily.

Compare: Our small team gave the champions a run for their money.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use this lively, conversational expression when a challenger performs strongly against a capable competitor. It can also compare products or organisations of similar quality.

More examples in context

  • This affordable camera gives some expensive models a run for their money.
  • I lost the quiz, but I gave my brother a run for his money.

Usage note

Change the possessive to match the competitor: “her money” or “their money”. The challenger does not have to win, and no actual payment is necessary.

A short conversation

A: Did your team beat the favourites?
B: No, but we gave them a run for their money. The final score was very close.
A: You must be pleased with your performance.

One more practice question

A beginner gives an experienced player a run for their money. What does this imply?

A. The experienced player wins without any challenge.
B. The beginner provides strong competition.

Check your answer

B. The expression means the competitor has to work hard rather than winning easily.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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