run scared run scared {v. phr.} To expect defeat, as in a political campaign. The one-vote defeat caused him to run scared in every race thereafter. Categories: add yours add yours {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2025 To section: R Subscribe to: American Idioms► Also consider the parent subscriptions (3)Idioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Add my comment Add my comment