The phrase "running interference" is commonly used to describe someone who helps to disrupt an opponent's plans or actions. In phonetic transcription, the word "running" is pronounced as /ˈrʌnɪŋ/, with the stress on the first syllable. Meanwhile, "interference" is pronounced as /ˌɪntərˈfɪrəns/, with the main stress on the third syllable. This phrase is often used in sports, politics, and other competitive situations, where it refers to strategies employed by one team or group to prevent the success of another.
Running interference is a phrase used to describe the act of intervening or obstructing an opponent in order to help someone else achieve a goal or objective. This term has its roots in American football, where it refers to the action of a player who blocks or distracts a defensive player to clear a path for the ball carrier. In a broader sense, it has come to be used to describe any situation where one person or group creates a distraction or disturbance to divert attention away from or impede someone else.
In everyday life, running interference can be seen in various contexts. For example, in a business setting, a colleague might engage in small talk with a nosy co-worker to prevent them from approaching and bothering another employee who is busy with an important task. In family dynamics, a parent may intervene in a dispute between siblings to diffuse tension and protect one child from harm. Similarly, in politics, one party might use divisive tactics or mudslinging to detract attention from their opponent's policies or questionable actions.
In summary, running interference involves actively intervening or creating a distraction to impede or divert attention from someone or something. This term is often associated with strategic actions taken to support or protect an individual or group in achieving their objectives, by obstructing or distracting opponents.
The etymology of the phrase "running interference" can be traced back to American football. In football, "interference" refers to an act of obstructing or hindering an opponent in order to assist a teammate in making a play. The concept of interference was later adopted by other sports and even in non-sporting contexts.
The phrase "running interference" emerged in the early 20th century and was originally used to describe a player's actions to impede opponents from tackling or obstructing a teammate carrying the ball. It involved making contact with defenders in order to create space and protect the ball carrier. Over time, the term expanded beyond sports and started being used in a broader sense, referring to any action taken to clear obstacles, distract, or create a diversion in order to assist or protect someone else.