noun · rare

rat race

rat race · rat races

An activity or situation which is congested with participants and which is hectic or…An activity or situation which is congested with participants and which is hectic or tedious, especially in the context of a busy, modern urban lifestyle.

/ˈɹæt ˌɹeɪs/

» I want to get away from the rat race.

Я хочу втекти від життєвих щурячих перегонів.

Meaning

3 senses

(informal)An activity or situation which is congested with participants and which is hectic or tedious, especially in the context of a busy, modern urban lifestyle.
Rattenrennen
крысиные бегаkrysinyje bega
(broadly)The busy, modern urban lifestyle itself, especially when seen as a competition for wealth or power.
Inconsiderate or unfair competition, where the competitors are willing to use any means to win.

More definitions

an exhausting routine that leaves no time for relaxation

Examples

5 sentences

I want to get away from the rat race.
Я хочу втекти від життєвих щурячих перегонів. — deniko
CC BY 2.0 FR · Tatoeba · CK · B1Open on Tatoeba Report a problem
Ziri ended up being trapped in a rat race.
CC BY 2.0 FR · Tatoeba · Amastan · C2Open on Tatoeba Report a problem
It's the rat race.
CC0 · Tatoeba · AmarMecheri · B1Open on Tatoeba Report a problem
The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat.
ruПроблема крысиных бегов в том, что даже если ты побеждаешь, ты всё равно остаёшься крысой. — Selena777
CC BY 2.0 FR · Tatoeba · Hybrid · B1Open on Tatoeba Report a problem
It's the rat race!
CC0 · Tatoeba · AmarMecheri · B1Open on Tatoeba Report a problem