run for the roses
The phrase 'run for the roses' originated from the Kentucky Derby, where the winning horse is awarded a garland of roses. It has since come to symbolize striving for a prestigious prize in various contexts.
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Definition
B2Horse Racing
(specific, American)To compete in the Kentucky Derby, where the winning horse receives a garland of roses.
Example
- Every jockey dreams of the day they can run for the roses at the Kentucky Derby.
C1Sports
(idiomatic, American)To participate in a college football series aiming to qualify for the Rose Bowl championship.
Example
- The team has trained all season to run for the roses and secure a spot in the Rose Bowl.
B2General
(idiomatic)To engage in a challenging competition with the goal of winning a prestigious award.
Example
- In the business world, many entrepreneurs run for the roses, seeking to make their companies successful.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "run for the roses":
run for one's moneyhorse racerun torun inrun aboutrun againstrun withrun for the exerciserun onsport of kingsrun after