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Rat race
01
a draining and stressful lifestyle that consists of constantly competing with others for success, wealth, power, etc. and so leaving no room for rest and pleasure
Disapproving
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "rat race" and when to use it?
The term "rat race" originates from the world of rat-catching, where rats were pitted against each other and the winner was the one that escaped. This idiom is typically used to describe the hectic and competitive nature of modern life, particularly in urban areas.
Examples
By the time he retired, he had been in the rat race for over three decades and was ready for a slower pace of life.
He burned out after years of participating in the rat race and decided to take a sabbatical.
