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Rat race

//ˈɹæt ˌɹæɪs// noun, slang

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    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. informal

    "[…] a 1950s-ish town, keeping a sense of community far from the superhighway rat race."

  2. 2
    an exhausting routine that leaves no time for relaxation wordnet
  3. 3
    The busy, modern urban lifestyle itself, especially when seen as a competition for wealth or power. broadly

    "Forget about the rat race / Let's do the Milkshake / Selling like a hotcake"

  4. 4
    Inconsiderate or unfair competition, where the competitors are willing to use any means to win.

Etymology

From rat + race.

See also for "rat race"

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