run for one's money
run for one's money {n. phr.}
1. A good fight; a hard struggle. — Usually used with "give" or "get".
Our team didn't win the game, but they gave the other team a run for their money.
2. Satisfaction; interest; excitement. — Usually used with "give" or "get".
People like to watch the champion fight because they get a good run for their money from him.
A good student gives a teacher more than a run for his money.
Categories:
Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
