run interference
Block for another
To run interference is to clear a path or handle obstacles for someone else.
From American football, where blockers protect the ball carrier by engaging defenders.
In everyday use, it means managing distractions, difficult people, or bureaucratic hurdles so someone can focus on their task: I'll run interference with the boss while you finish the report.
Impeding forward progress
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- timingArt of choosing moments
anticipation · execution · teamwork · playbook · formation · strategy · counterplay · preemption
Handheld defensive armor
- blockerSomething that obstructs
- bufferProtective intermediate space
- defenderOne who guards another
- safeguardPrecaution against harm
guardian · cover · escort · gatekeeper · bodyguard · bouncer · wingman · advocate
Redirection of attention
- smokescreenConcealment through misdirection
- decoyFalse target for misdirection
- red herringIntentional misleading distraction
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
feint · deflection · cover story · distraction · ruse · ploy · bluff · dodge
blocking
Impeding forward progress
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- positioningArranging in specific locations
timing · anticipation · execution · teamwork · playbook · formation · strategy · counterplay · preemption · setup
shield
Handheld defensive armor
safeguard · guardian · cover · escort · gatekeeper · bodyguard · bouncer · wingman · advocate · intermediary
diversion
Redirection of attention
- smokescreenConcealment through misdirection
- decoyFalse target for misdirection
- red herringIntentional misleading distraction
misdirection · feint · deflection · cover story · distraction · ruse · ploy · bluff · dodge · stalling
- sports idiomsdrop the ball, throw in the towel, slam dunk, out of left field, level playing field
run interferencestep aside
Withdraw from a position
get out of the way · clear a path · stand down · make way · open the door
run interferencehang out to dry
Leave vulnerable, unsupported
abandon · throw to the wolves · leave in the lurch · throw under the bus · sell out
run interferencesell out
Betray one's values
throw under the bus · betray · undermine · stab in the back · rat out
running, runner, runners, runny, interference, interfere, interferes, interfered, interfering