What does the Phrase ‘Rat Race’ Refer to?

Rat race means —

• a dull and repetitive routine;
• an unrewarding job where people compete intensely;
• an unfulfilling job that is taken up solely for the purpose of survival.

The term “rat race” is a reference to the rat’s desperate struggle for survival. A rat is not seeking mental peace or fulfillment. It works hard and competes fiercely to put food into its belly. That’s its sole motto.

Similarly, if a person is stuck in a dull, boring, or uninspiring job only to eke out his living, we can say that he is stuck in the rat race.

Many times, a corporate job is referred to as a rat race.

For example —

“After being in the rat race for 12 years, he quit the job and launched his own startup.”

The example is straightforward. I hope you got it.

A synonym for ‘Rat race’ is “Daily grind” which refers to the difficult or monotonous routine of a person.

For example —

‘I am going on a vacation to take a break from the daily grind.’

I hope this example is also straightforward.

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Hi, I am Gauri Shanker, a Vocab teacher and enthusiast. I teach vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. You can check out my courses here.