Run scared Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɹən/ /ˈskɛɹd

RUN SKAIRD

UK

ɹˈʌn/ /skˈeəd

ruhn SKAIRD

Definition

To behave nervously or make decisions out of fear of losing, failing, or being overtaken by others.

Usage & Nuances

Informal phrase, especially in business, politics, or competition. Implies actions driven by fear, often irrational. Common in 'don't run scared', suggesting confidence, or 'companies run scared', describing panic responses.

• Spanish: actuar por miedo - tener miedo (fig.)
• Portuguese (BR): agir com medo - ficar assustado (figurado)
• Portuguese (PT): agir com medo - ficar assustado (figurado)
• Chinese (Simplified): 因害怕而行动 - 害怕（比喻用法）
• Chinese (Traditional): 因害怕而行動 - 害怕（比喻用法）
• Hindi: डर के कारण काम करना - डरना (रूपक)
• Arabic: يتصرف بدافع الخوف - التصرف بخوف (مجازي)
• Bengali: ভীত হয়ে কাজ করা - আতঙ্কে সিদ্ধান্ত নেওয়া
• Russian: действовать из страха - паниковать
• Japanese: 恐れて行動する - 怯えて決断する
• Vietnamese: hành động trong sợ hãi - quyết định vì sợ hãi
• Korean: 겁에 질려 행동하다 - 두려워서 결정하다
• Turkish: korkuyla hareket etmek - panikle karar almak
• Urdu: خوف زدہ ہو کر کام کرنا - گھبراہٹ میں فیصلہ کرنا
• Indonesian: bertindak karena takut - mengambil keputusan karena ketakutan

Example Sentences

Small businesses often run scared during economic crises.

basic

He started to run scared after hearing the bad news.

basic

You shouldn’t run scared just because things look difficult.

basic

The politicians really started to run scared after the polls changed.

natural

Don’t run scared—just stick to your plan.

natural

When competitors launch new products, some companies run scared and make rushed decisions.

natural