To run into someone meaning in English

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Definition

to run into someone: to meet someone by chance idiom
It was nice running into you. I didn't expect to see you in the street yesterday but it was great to see you.
to run into each other: to meet by chance idiom

Examples

  • "It was nice to run into you again."
  • "When we finally reached Brazil, Horatio ran into an old friend."
  • "I ran into him at my dog's hairdresser, and I thought: he's rich and weird, and you're weird and now rich - I guess you guys should talk."
  • "Oh, yes he told me to mention that in case we ran into each other."
Exercise 1
What is the meaning of the phrase "It was nice to run into you again"?

What is the meaning of the phrase "It was nice to run into you again"?
This is probably a phrase nobody will ever hear. It is also an incorrect response to this question.
This is incorrect, because the phrase "to run into you" specifically refers to a meeting "in person".
Although "running" carries a meaning similar to "jogging" in the literal sense, it does not correspond to the idiom "to run into someone". Jogging is however a very healthy exercise, and we should all try to do it more often.
"To run into you" is a common idiom meaning "to see someone", or "to bump into them", usually by chance. When Maria tells Philip that it was nice to "run into him", she means that she enjoyed seeing him this weekend.
Exercise 2
Luna is going to play the part of a typical customer Trey might come across.

This means that Luna will a typical customer Trey might .
Luna is going to play the part of a typical customer Trey might come across.

This means that Luna will pretend to be 1 a typical customer Trey might run into 2.
1 pretend to be: To "play the part" of someone is to pretend to be them, or to act and react like that person. Example: Charlton Heston played the role of Moses in the 10 commandments. The expression "to play the part of" shares a similar meaning with the verb "to pretend".
1 defend the position of: To "defend someone's position" is to protect them either literally or figuratively. To "defend someone's position" expresses a different meaning than Luna's expression "to play the part of (somebody)".
1 act on behalf of: To act on somebody's behalf is to represent them or act in their place. For example: I'm calling on behalf of Bruno Delavigne. This expression is often used when making telephone calls for someone else. To "act on somebody's behalf" expresses a different meaning than Luna's expression "to play the part of (somebody)".
1 make fun of: To "make fun of someone" is to mock or tease them. "To make fun of someone" expresses a different meaning than Luna's expression "to play the part of (somebody)".
2 run into: The phrasal verb to "come across" means to encounter or find. Example: Tell me if you come across my socks while you're cleaning the bedroom. This shares a similar meaning with the phrasal verb to "run into".
2 work with: The phrasal expression to "come across" doesn't refer to "working with" or "collaborating with" someone.
2 telephone: The phrasal verb to "come across" doesn't refer to "calling" or "phoning". Trey may "come across" difficult customers on the phone, however, this is not what Luna means when she use the expression "to come across".
2 research: The phrasal verb to "come across" doesn't refer to "doing research".
Exercise 3
Choose the TRUE statements from the list below according to this dialogue.

Choose the TRUE statements from the list below according to this dialogue.
This statement is true. Bruno says that Horatio was "detained" (or "held") in an airport "jail" (or prison) until Bruno returned with the snakes passport.
This statement is false. Bruno says that Horatio "ran into" an old friend, meaning that he MET, or SAW an old friend, not that he "fought" with one!
This statement is true. Bruno tells Brian that once he found the snake's passport, security released or liberated Horatio.
Exercise 4
Luna is going to play the part of a typical customer Trey might come across.

This means that Luna will a typical customer Trey might .
Luna is going to play the part of a typical customer Trey might come across.

This means that Luna will pretend to be 1 a typical customer Trey might run into 2.
1 pretend to be: To "play the part" of someone is to pretend to be them, or to act and react like that person. Example: Charlton Heston played the part or "role" of Moses in the 10 Commandments. The expression "to play the part of" shares a similar meaning with the verb "to pretend".
1 defend the position of: To "defend someone's position" is to protect them either literally or figuratively. To "defend someone's position" expresses a different meaning than Luna's expression "to play the part of (somebody)".
1 make fun of: To "make fun of someone" is to mock or tease them. "To make fun of someone" expresses a different meaning than Luna's expression "to play the part of (somebody)".
2 run into: The phrasal verb to "come across" means to encounter or find. Example: Tell me if you come across my socks while you're cleaning the bedroom. This shares a similar meaning with the phrasal verb to "run into".
2 telephone: The phrasal verb to "come across" doesn't refer to "calling" or "phoning". Trey may "come across" difficult customers on the phone, but this is not what Luna means when she uses the expression "to come across".
2 research: The phrasal verb to "come across" doesn't refer to "doing research". Graduate students "do research" (for example on a specific author), and job hunters "do research" about a company if they want to learn more about it.

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