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Definitions

run into the ground

VERB
overdo
Synonyms
STRONGEST
exaggerate overestimate overplay overrate overreach overstate overuse overvalue
STRONG
amplify belabor fatigue hype magnify overburden overindulge overload overtax overtire overwork pressure puff stretch
WEAK
be intemperate bite off too much do to death drive oneself go overboard go too far lay it on make federal case not know when to stop pile on run riot strain oneself talk big wear down wear oneself out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
play down
STRONG
compress decrease lessen
WEAK
ignore neglect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fey revealed the lounge has fallen apart after literally being run into the ground by too many Five-Timers Club sketches.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

I wanted to quit the show before it got really bad and run into the ground.

From New York Times • Jul. 28, 2022

A sure sign that a comic strip has run out of creative or even mildly amusing observations is its return to a recurring theme that other cartoon artists have run into the ground.

From Washington Post • Apr. 29, 2022

Commenting on the pay ballot results, UCU general secretary Jo Grady said staff had "had enough of pay and working conditions being run into the ground".

From BBC • Nov. 5, 2021

The mercury was so low it had run into the ground a foot.

From The Yukon Trail A Tale of the North by Wolfe, George Ellis