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run into — 3 meanings

Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.

phrasal verb3 meanings
run intosame phrase

Which one do you mean?

meet by chance

I ran into my old teacher at the supermarket yesterday.

hit or collide with

Be careful not to run into the table when you walk past.

encounter difficulties

The company ran into financial difficulties after the market crash.

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Meanings in detail

1. meet by chance

B1neutralspoken

to meet someone unexpectedly, usually by accident.

I ran into my old teacher at the supermarket yesterday.

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2. hit or collide with

B1neutralspoken

to accidentally hit or crash into something or someone while moving.

Be careful not to run into the table when you walk past.

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3. encounter difficulties

C1neutralboth

to unexpectedly experience or face problems, difficulties, or obstacles, especially in a project, process, or plan.

The company ran into financial difficulties after the market crash.

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