# run for one's money

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A difficult challenge for the person indicated, especially one involving a competitive situation.
2. A reasonable opportunity to succeed, perform acceptably, or escape harm, especially in a difficult situation.

## Etymology
The idiom likely originates with horse racing, where one can get enjoyment "from watching the race even if one does not win much." Its usage was first recorded in 1874.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/run-for-one-s-money