give sb a run for one's money

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛsbˈiː ɐ ɹˈʌn fɔː wˈɒnz mˈʌnɪ/

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛsbˈiː ɐ ɹˈʌn fɔːɹ wˈʌnz mˈʌni/

[phrase]

to give sb a run for one's money

[PHRASE]

to challenge or compete with someone in a way that surprises or impresses others

to [give] {sb} a run for {one's} money definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "give someone a run for their money" and when to use it?

The idiom "give someone a run for their money" is believed to have originated from horse racing, where a horse that is expected to win easily is challenged by another horse that runs just as fast and puts up a strong fight. Today, the idiom is often used in a figurative sense to describe a situation where someone competes with or challenges another person, organization, or team, and is so good that they make them work hard to win.

Examples

1. So black widows aren’t the only dangerous ladies out there, Photuris fireflies give them a run for their money.

2. She has been competing with the best in the industry and has given them a run for their money.

3. Catherine’s contemporary, Louis XV, had so many mistresses he could give Prince a run for his money.

4. But still, I oughta given you a run for your money.

Nearby words

give a ring

give a miss

give a good account of