run its course
idiom
—used to say that something begins, continues for a time, and then ends
The disease usually runs its course in a few days.
Examples of run its course in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Has the naked dress trend run its course?
—
Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 27 Jan. 2026
The avian flu virus has no vaccine, and experts consulted by the city and others interviewed by the Orlando Sentinel say the best practice is to allow the disease to run its course, with the thought that surviving birds would develop immunity.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
All credit to Mark Stoops, one of the most successful coaches in Kentucky football history and a worthy hire for another program, but his tenure had run its course.
—Seth Emerson, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2026
By the time the madness had run its course, and some sense of sanity returned, a generation of youth had lost their opportunity to pursue their life goals, reach their educational potential, and enjoy the love of a family.
—Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026
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Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 27 Jan. 2026
The avian flu virus has no vaccine, and experts consulted by the city and others interviewed by the Orlando Sentinel say the best practice is to allow the disease to run its course, with the thought that surviving birds would develop immunity.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
All credit to Mark Stoops, one of the most successful coaches in Kentucky football history and a worthy hire for another program, but his tenure had run its course.
—Seth Emerson, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2026
By the time the madness had run its course, and some sense of sanity returned, a generation of youth had lost their opportunity to pursue their life goals, reach their educational potential, and enjoy the love of a family.
—Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for run its course
Cite this Entry
“Run its course.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run%20its%20course. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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