Running blind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Running blind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is proceeding without clear information or guidance, often leading to uncertainty or risk. Example: "In the absence of a detailed plan, we felt like we were running blind during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Running blind: How do you run the London Marathon without sight?

BBC

Everyone is running blind after money".

The New York Times - Magazine

Since we dissolved I've been a spectre running blind and naked in the desert.

The New Yorker

A senior Pakistani military officer said, "In intelligence, you have to be in contact with your enemy or you are running blind".

The New York Times

In "Running Blind" Reacher says of a female suspect, "Tell her first time she clams up, I'll break her arm, second time I'll grind her bones together".

The New York Times

My observation when we were running blind taste tests in my own breeding program was that the primary differentiator between people was whether they prefer high or low starch.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Staggering out and running, blinded with dust, he looked back to see a figure sitting by the wreck with blood dripping from his hands.

The Economist

Submarines run blind, just listening for sounds of danger.

The New York Times

"All of our children will run blind and free/Across concrete fields of broken glass," Ellery Roberts sings in "Spitting Blood".

The New York Times - Arts

For researchers, that's a problem, so they're constantly seeking ways to run blind tests in which people don't realise they're power posing, smiling, etc.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Full Frontal ran blind writing auditions; a revolutionary act in a world where it's often who you know that gets you a shot at stardom.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Running blind", ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of necessary information or awareness. Avoid using it when partial information is available.

Common error

Avoid using "Running blind" when there's a degree of awareness. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing a complete absence of critical information, not just limited insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Running blind" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically serving as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It describes the manner in which an action is performed, indicating a lack of awareness, information, or guidance. Ludwig AI examples show its frequent use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic phrase "Running blind" describes acting without sufficient information or awareness, implying risk and uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific fields. While its register is generally neutral, formal settings might benefit from more precise alternatives. To avoid misuse, remember that "Running blind" is best suited to situations where there is a complete lack of critical information, not just limited insight. Synonyms include "operating without guidance" and "navigating in the dark".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Operating without guidance

Emphasizes the absence of direction or leadership.

Navigating in the dark

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of visibility.

Proceeding without information

Focuses on the lack of necessary data or knowledge.

Acting without foresight

Stresses the absence of planning or anticipation of consequences.

Flying by the seat of your pants

Implies improvising and relying on instinct due to lack of planning.

Operating on guesswork

Highlights reliance on estimations rather than concrete data.

Going in without preparation

Focuses on the lack of readiness or prior planning.

Taking a shot in the dark

Emphasizes the uncertainty and low probability of success.

Plunging in headfirst

Suggests reckless action without prior assessment.

Gambling without knowing the odds

Highlights the risk associated with lacking critical knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "Running blind" in a sentence?

You can use "Running blind" to describe a situation where someone is proceeding without clear information or guidance. For example, "Without market research, we were essentially "running blind"."

What's a more formal way to say "Running blind"?

In a formal context, consider using phrases like "operating without sufficient data" or "proceeding without adequate information" instead of "running blind".

What are some common synonyms for "Running blind"?

Synonyms include "operating without guidance", "navigating in the dark", and "acting without foresight".

Is it grammatically correct to say "Running blind"?

Yes, "Running blind" is a grammatically sound idiomatic expression. It's commonly used in both spoken and written English to convey a lack of information or awareness.