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Glite Dictionary
to run like a demon

to run like a demon

3.9
To move very fast with great energy
  • idiom
  • /rʌn laɪk ə ˈdimən/
  • Informal
translation icon : correr como un loco
  • When the fire alarm went off, the students ran like demons to evacuate the building.

Examples

  • She had to run like a demon to catch the bus before it left the station.

  • Melvin runs like a demon.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • He trains every day to run like a demon during the upcoming marathon.

Synonyms

to race
vsto run like a demon
91 1.0

To move or work very quickly to reach a goal

focuses on extreme physical speed and strong energetic motion
to dash
vsto run like a demon
73 1.0

To move very quickly to reach a place

involves more intense energy and higher sustained speed
to sprint
vsto run like a demon
46 1.0

To run very fast for a short distance

stresses extreme speed combined with strong sustained energy
to pelt down
vsto run like a demon
  • Informal
1 7.2

To run or move very quickly without control

is equally rapid but shows forceful energy not mere chaos
to run amain
vsto run like a demon
  • Archaic
9.9

To move very fast on foot to get somewhere quickly

is even faster and shows greater energetic force

Antonyms

lag
46 4.1

A period of time when something happens later than expected

crawl
23 1.2

A slow movement made by moving on hands and knees or by dragging the body

How Fast

to sprint
46 1.0
to run like a demon
  • Informal
3.9
to run
∞ 1.0
to jog
29 1.0
to walk
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

run like a demon infinitive
ran like a demon past
run like a demon past participle
running like a demon present participle
runs like a demon third person singular

Morphology

run + like + a + demon

The simile structure 'run like a X' makes the manner of running compositional: a learner who knows 'run' and 'like' will understand this compares the way someone runs to a demon. However, 'demon' contributes metaphorical cultural connotations (extreme energy, fierceness) so the precise sense 'extremely quickly/energetically' is inferable but not strictly literal or fully predictable, making it only partially transparent.

Etymology

Run like a demon gives a clear picture: imagine a demon, a wild, powerful creature, running so fast it seems unstoppable. So, to run like a demon means to run 'very fast'.