Rat Race, A 🐀🏁
rat race, a - A relentless competition or struggle to advance oneself, or even to keep up. Originated in America in the twentieth century, it cleverly evokes the image of rats frantically racing to survive. It appears in Christopher Morley’s Kitty Foyle (1939): “Their own private life gets to be a rat race.”
Related Terms & Expressions
- Hamster Wheel - A repetitive, monotonous activity with no progress.
- Grindstone - An endless hard work routine.
- Cutthroat Competition - An intense and ruthless competitive environment.
- Dog-Eat-Dog World - An unmercifully competitive world.
Similar Idioms
- Jumping through hoops - Going through an elaborate or complicated series of procedures in order to achieve a goal.
- Keeping up with the Joneses - Striving to match one’s neighbors in spending and social standing.
- Burning the Candle at Both Ends - Exhausting oneself by working too hard or desiring too much in too short a time.
Humor-filled Quotes
- “The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat.” - Lily Tomlin
- “I’ve got the key to escape the rat race, and nobody can stop me!” - Author Unknown
Proverbs
- “Slow and steady wins the race.” - A nod to the idea that persistent effort outdoes frantic, unsustainable speed.
- “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” - A caution against leading a life that’s dominated by work.
Suggested Literature
- Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller - A poignant look at the impact of relentless ambition.
- The Circle by Dave Eggers - An exploration of the modern digital rat race.
Suggested Movies
- The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) - An inspirational tale about chasing dreams amidst life’s struggles.
- Office Space (1999) - A satirical take on the corporate rat race.
Suggested Music
- “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton - A catchy anthem about the daily grind.
- “Manic Monday” by The Bangles - An ode to the woes of a working Monday.
### Which expression is similar to "rat race"?
- [x] Hamster wheel
- [ ] Cat nap
- [ ] Swan song
- [ ] Eagle eye
> **Explanation:** "Hamster wheel" refers to a repetitive, unending routine, much like a "rat race".
### What’s a synonym for "rat race"?
- [ ] Cakewalk
- [ ] Sunday stroll
- [x] Grind
- [ ] Sleep-in
> **Explanation:** "Grind" is a synonym, denoting hard, monotonous work.
### True or False: "Keeping up with the Joneses" is synonymous with "rat race"
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Both idioms refer to relentless competition to match or surpass others.
### Identify the idiom related to work struggle:
- [x] Burning the candle at both ends
- [ ] Reading between the lines
- [ ] Kicking the bucket
- [ ] Idle hands
> **Explanation:** "Burning the candle at both ends" signifies exhausting oneself, similar to the struggle in a rat race.
Farewell Thought 🌟
In a world often driven by a relentless pace, let’s remember that it’s okay to slow down, savor the journey, and prioritize what truly matters. After all, even the most ambitious rats deserve a moment of peace. 🧘♂️
Stay wise and wonderful, E. L. Escapist 2023
