Rat run Meaning in English
expression
ˈɹæt/ /ˈɹən
RAT-run
ɹˈæt/ /ɹˈʌn
RAT-run
Definition
A small street or side road that drivers use to avoid busy main roads, especially during heavy traffic.
Usage & Nuances
Informal British English, mainly about city driving or commuting. Often used in phrases like 'take a rat run'. Not related to actual rats. Implies a slight annoyance with traffic. Not common in US English.
Spanish: atajo (tráfico) - camino alternativoPortuguese (BR): atalho (trânsito) - caminho alternativoPortuguese (PT): atalho (trânsito) - caminho alternativoChinese (Simplified): 捷径（用于躲避主路拥堵的小路）Chinese (Traditional): 捷徑（用來避開主路塞車的小路）Hindi: शॉर्टकट रोड (ट्रैफिक से बचने का रास्ता)Arabic: طريق مختصر (لتجنب الازدحام)Bengali: চোরাপথ - বিকল্প সড়কRussian: объездная дорога - короткий путь (через дворы/улицы) - «крысная тропа» (разг.)Japanese: 抜け道 - 裏道Vietnamese: đường tắt - đường nhỏ tránh kẹt xeKorean: 지름길 - 샛길Turkish: yan yol - kestirme yolUrdu: چور راستہ - شارٹ کٹ راستہIndonesian: jalan tikus - jalan pintas
Example Sentences
Every morning, he takes a rat run to avoid the traffic on the main road.
basic
This narrow street is a popular rat run for local drivers.
basic
We found a rat run that saved us ten minutes.
basic
At rush hour, the rat runs are just as crowded as the main roads.
natural
Locals don't like it when outsiders use their neighborhood as a rat run.
natural
If there's a jam ahead, try the rat run by the old school—it's usually clear.
natural