keep the rats running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep the rats running" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to suggest maintaining a certain level of activity or urgency, often in a competitive or chaotic context. Example: "In the fast-paced world of business, it's essential to keep the rats running to stay ahead of the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We're going to keep the rats running. .

TechCrunch

We're going to keep the rats running".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"You could hear the rats running around.

The New York Times

The rats running as we watch through the grating.

The New York Times

Afterward Edward pointed out the rats running on the tracks at the Leicester Square station.

The New Yorker

"I want to find out the way the rats run," Mr. Harrel said.

The New York Times

And when the lights come on, the rats run in holes.

TechCrunch

Guy Two: "Yeah, but the rats run all over you.

Huffington Post

"Usually the dogs keep the rats away".

The New Yorker

"We were installing wire nets to keep the rats out.

The New York Times

Look inside the cage/where they keep the rats.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep the rats running" when you want to convey a sense of urgency and competition, especially in dynamic environments. It's useful for motivating a team to stay ahead.

Common error

Avoid using "keep the rats running" in contexts where a sense of stability or calm is desired. The phrase implies some level of chaos or frantic activity, which might be inappropriate in certain situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep the rats running" functions primarily as an idiom. Based on the examples Ludwig provides, it serves to encourage or maintain a state of high activity, often within a competitive context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep the rats running" is a grammatically correct idiom that metaphorically suggests maintaining a competitive environment or a high level of activity. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's most appropriate for informal to semi-formal contexts, often used to motivate ongoing efforts. While not extremely common, its usage is primarily found in news and media sources. Consider alternatives like "maintain the hustle" or "sustain the momentum" to avoid misinterpretations in contexts requiring stability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain the hustle

Emphasizes consistent effort and drive, focusing on continuous action.

sustain the momentum

Highlights the importance of keeping progress going and avoiding stagnation.

keep the ball rolling

Focuses on maintaining the current state of affairs and preventing delays.

continue the activity

A more direct way of indicating the need to prolong the existing operation or task.

preserve the pace

Stresses the importance of maintaining a consistent rhythm of work or progress.

ensure ongoing operations

Highlights the need to secure that activities continues without interruption.

keep the engine humming

Emphasizes the need to keep something working efficiently without faltering.

drive ongoing progress

Stresses the importance of maintaining a continuous flow of improvements and developments.

keep operations active

A straightforward way to highlight the continued engagement of all parties in a task or project.

maintain operational tempo

Emphasizes keeping a constant rate of activities and actions.

FAQs

How can I use "keep the rats running" in a sentence?

You can use "keep the rats running" to describe maintaining a competitive environment or high level of activity. For example, "In the tech industry, you have to "keep the rats running" to stay innovative".

What does "keep the rats running" mean?

The phrase "keep the rats running" metaphorically means maintaining a high level of activity, often in a competitive or urgent situation. It suggests that efforts should be continuous to stay ahead or avoid falling behind.

Which phrase is similar to "keep the rats running"?

A similar phrase to "keep the rats running" is "maintain the hustle", which emphasizes continuous effort and drive. Other alternatives are "sustain the momentum" or "keep the ball rolling".

Is "keep the rats running" a formal expression?

No, "keep the rats running" is not a formal expression. It is more suitable for informal or semi-formal contexts, such as motivating a team in a dynamic environment or discussing competitive strategies.