rat out
rat out on
rat on
To desert; to leave at a critical time.
Joe ratted out on Sue when she was seven months pregnant.
rat race
A very confusing, crowded, or disorderly rush; a confusing scramble, struggle, or way of living that does not seem to have a purpose.
The dance last night was a rat race. It was too noisy and crowded.
School can be a rat race if you don't keep up with your studies.
This job is a rat race. The faster you work, the faster the boss wants you to work.
rate with someone
To be esteemed highly by another.
The professor really rates with both the graduate students and the undergraduates.
rattle off
reel off
To say quickly without having to stop to think; recite easily and rapidly.
When Roger was seven he could rattle off the names of all the states in alphabetical order.
Joan memorized the "Gettysburg Address" so well that she could reel it off.
We asked the waitress what flavors of ice cream she had, and she rattled them off.
rattle one's saber
To threaten another government or country without subsequent acts of war.
It is considered an act of demagoguery on the part of politicians to rattle their sabers.
run a temperature
To have a body temperature that is above normal; have a fever.
Jimmy didn't look ill, although he was running a temperature.
We took the baby to the doctor because he was running a temperature.
saber rattling
sword rattling
A show of military strength usually to frighten; a threat of military force.
The dictator marched his troops and tanks along the border of our country and did some saber rattling.
scratch around for
To search randomly for something.
If you scratch around for a more reliable used car, maybe you'll feel more confident on the road.