What it means
Means a brief, usually unexpected, confrontation or scrape with someone, often an official, neighbour, or random stranger. It can be an argument, getting told off, or a tense little moment that leaves you fuming in the queue after. Saying you had a run-in with someone hints it got sharp, but it didn't have to turn into a full-on punch-up.
Usage examples
"Had a run-in with the parking warden outside Tesco. I was still in the driver’s seat and he’s already printing the ticket like he’s on commission. Cheeky sod."
"He had a run-in with the referee and got sent off before half time."
"After a quick run-in with the neighbour over the bins, they barely speak now."
"Had a right run-in with the bouncer last night. I only asked where the queue started and he came at me with full nightclub sheriff energy."
"Mum had a run-in with the school office over the uniform rules and she's still muttering about it now."
Where it comes from
It’s a straight phrasal noun built from run in, meaning to encounter or collide with something or someone. That broader sense has been in English for ages, and by the 19th to 20th century run-in had settled into the everyday meaning of a brief unpleasant clash, especially with authority figures or people nearby.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
Feather Guardian Bird Official watcher of this expression
Tell me, what have you got for me?