the rat race

: any of numerous rodents (Rattus and related genera) differing from the related mice especially by considerably larger size

: any of various similar rodents

: a contemptible person: such as

: to betray, desert, or inform on one's associates

: to catch or hunt rats

: to work as a scab

: the act of running

: a strong or rapid current of water flowing through a narrow channel

: a watercourse used industrially

: to compete in a race

: to go, move, or function at top speed or out of control

: to revolve too fast under a diminished load

: a breeding stock of animals

: a family, tribe, people, or nation belonging to the same stock

: a class or kind of people unified by shared interests, habits, or characteristics