run for one's money noun2 •A difficult challenge for the person indicated, especially one involving a competitive situation."If your competitor regards you as a menace to his pocketbook, he can give you a nice little run for your money and delay you indefinitely." — 1918 •(old-fashioned) A reasonable opportunity to succeed, perform acceptably, or escape harm, especially in a difficult situation."I say he'll get a run for his money. If there's any killing to be done, it will be in fair fight." — 1917
