rʌn ˌɪntərˈfɪrəns
Sports
neutral
advanced
- Literally:
- in football, blocking opponents to clear a path for the ball carrier
What does "run interference" mean?
to intervene on someone's behalf to protect them from obstacles
Examples
- My assistant runs interference so I can focus on writing.
- She ran interference with the press while the CEO prepared a statement.
- Can you run interference with the client while I fix this bug?
Origin
From American football. Figurative use became common in the mid-20th century.
How to use it
Common in workplace contexts. Implies a supportive, protective action.
Similar expressions
run cover
shield
protect
clear the way
Opposites
throw under the bus
leave exposed
Related idioms
- no pain no gain
Success requires hard work and sacrifice
- ball is in your court
It's your turn to take action or make a decision
- like riding a bicycle
A skill that, once learned, is never forgotten
- drop the ball
To fail to do something important; to make a mistake
- level playing field
A situation where everyone has an equal opportunity
- on the ball
Alert and competent
Use it in a practice answer
Try "run interference" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.