Sekirov Dictionary

rat race

/ˈɹæt ˌɹeɪs/

noun 3
rat-race verb 2
forms 4

noun3

•
The busy, modern urban lifestyle itself, especially when seen as a competition for wealth or power.
- Forget about the rat race / Let's do the Milkshake / Selling like a hotcake — 1979
•
(informal) An activity or situation which is congested with participants and which is hectic or tedious, especially in the context of a busy, modern urban lifestyle.
- […] a 1950s-ish town, keeping a sense of community far from the superhighway rat race. — 2006
Inconsiderate or unfair competition, where the competitors are willing to use any means to win.

rat-race verb2

(slang) To partake or participate in a rat race, in all senses.
(slang) To rat run, that is, to drive on side streets, often at high speeds, to avoid traffic.

forms

rat-raced · rat-racing · rat-races · rat races

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