English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Rat race
Meaning
The idiom "rat race" refers to a competitive or fast-paced environment where people are constantly striving to achieve more, often at the expense of their own well-being. It suggests that individuals are like rats, scurrying around trying to keep up with the pace of life and not stopping to consider what they're doing or why.
Usage
- The pressure to perform in the rat race can be overwhelming for many workers.
- I used to love my job, but it became a rat race where I was constantly chasing deadlines.
- The rat race is often cited as a reason for high levels of stress and burnout in the workplace.
- I decided to leave the corporate world and start my own business because I didn't want to be part of the rat race anymore.
- As a student, I often felt like I was running a rat race just to keep up with my coursework.
Roots and History
The idiom "rat race" has its roots in the early 19th century when industrialization led to a fast-paced society that valued efficiency and productivity above all else. The phrase gained popularity during the Great Depression, when people were struggling to find work and were forced to compete fiercely for scarce resources. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has evolved to include not just the corporate world but any environment where individuals are pressured to achieve more and often at the expense of their own well-being. Today, the rat race is seen as a negative force that can lead to stress, burnout, and even mental health issues.
Synonyms in English
- Rat race - hustle and bustle
- Rat race - game
- Rat race - grind
- Rat race - scramble
- Rat race - sprint
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish - "ratonada" (a wild party)
- French - "sauvage" (wild)
- German - "rauschen" (to rush)
- Italian - "correre" (to run)
- Japanese - "kakikomi" (to overwork oneself)