run its course
idiom
—used to say that something begins, continues for a time, and then ends
The disease usually runs its course in a few days.
Examples of run its course in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Once the timer ends, remind yourself that the biological response has run its course, and any lingering emotion is now being sustained by thoughts rather than the original trigger.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
The contagious infection doesn't have a cure and needs to run its course, though antiviral medications can help shorten the duration of the outbreak.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Others claim that the partnership has run its course.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025
But until Friday, a new public school drought had run its course for three consecutive seasons.
—Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for run its course
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mark Travers, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
The contagious infection doesn't have a cure and needs to run its course, though antiviral medications can help shorten the duration of the outbreak.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Others claim that the partnership has run its course.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025
But until Friday, a new public school drought had run its course for three consecutive seasons.
—Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for run its course
Cite this Entry
“Run its course.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run%20its%20course. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share