Rat race

/ɹˈat ɹˈeɪs/

/ɹˈæt ɹˈeɪs/

Rat race

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

What 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

1. Quit the rat race.

2. The Rat Race Explained: Life’s Financial Trap

3. And most people are trapped in the Rat Race.

4. So many people get into the rat race of how many followers they have.

Nearby words