Talk:run for one's money

Etymology

In case it helps: John Camden Hotten's Slang Dictionary (1873) has this:

RUN FOR THE MONEY, TO HAVE A, to have a start given in with a bet. As 20 to 1 against Doncaster, with a RUN given. See P.P. To have a RUN FOR ONE'S MONEY is also to have a good determined struggle for anything.

Equinox ◑ 20:52, 30 September 2021 (UTC)

I do not in any way want to cast doubt on our etymology, but isn't the phrase usually interpreted quite differently by contemporary speakers? Isn't the usual understanding now something like: "the person was put in a situation where they had to run and exert themself to get their (prize) money, rather than walk/jog and get it easily" ? 2.201.0.109 02:47, 21 February 2025 (UTC)