What it means
Means a brief, usually unexpected, confrontation or scrape with someone, often an official, neighbour, or random stranger. It can be an argument, getting told off, or a tense little moment that leaves you fuming in the queue after. Saying you had a run-in with someone hints it got sharp, but it didn't have to turn into a full-on punch-up.
Usage examples
"Had a run-in with the parking warden outside Tesco. I was still in the driver’s seat and he’s already printing the ticket like he’s on commission. Cheeky sod."
"He had a run-in with the referee and got sent off before half time."
"After a quick run-in with the neighbour over the bins, they barely speak now."
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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