ˈrat race noun
the rat race the unpleasant situation experienced by people working in big cities, when they continuously compete for success and have a lot of stress in their lives
get out of/quit the rat race
the story of a couple who quit the rat race

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

rat race
an unpleasant way in which people compete against each other at work in order to succeed.
I'd love to get out of the rat race and buy a house in some remote part of the countryside.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

rat race
a rushed and confusing way of living that does not seem to have a purpose; an endless hurried existence, a fierce struggle for success
My uncle is tired of being in the rat race every day and he plans to quit his job soon and do something else.

The man sometimes finds it too much of a rat race to live and work in a big city.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

rat race
n., slang 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.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲