run its course

Idioms and Phrases

Proceed to its logical or natural conclusion, as in The doctor said the cold would probably run its course within a week . This idiom employs course in the sense of “an onward movement in a particular path.” [Second half of 1500s]

Example Sentences

Instead, the election revealed that America’s political realignment is just about settled and that the neoliberal project, as we know it, has run its course.

From Salon

Despite Atomic Kitten's protests, the magic may have run its course.

From BBC

“I realized that the military side of the struggle had run its course,” Mr. McCann said.

From New York Times

“Sometimes tokenism has run its course. I don’t want to just be that person,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

According to her, she and Allen both agreed the series had run its course — the ratings had dwindled and Thomas, a fan favorite among younger viewers, had exited the series at the top of the eighth season.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• break
• cease
• close
• drop
• end
• halt
• hold
• kill
• pause
• put an end to
• quit
• stall
• stand
• stay