Fire Brigade

[kas5y]

Where do the sayings 'on the run' and 'off the run' originate from and what do they mean?

[Quizmonster]

'On the run' in Fire Brigade terms, seems to mean people or equipment currently on duty or being used, whilst 'off the run' suggests they are off duty or no longer used.
Someone talking about a particular type of fire engine, for example, which was removed from service and replaced three years ago might say: "The Daimler X200 was taken off the run in 2003."

[Quizmonster]

Didn't like that answer too much, then, eh?
How about clicking here which will take you to the Fire Brigades Union website. They ought to know!
Read the opening paragraph, where you will find the phrase 'off the run' used in a sentence which makes the meaning perfectly clear.
When you've done that, scroll down the page to the blue panel on the left with the words 'Berkshire Firefighter' below it. There you will find the phrase 'on the run' used in a sentence which makes its meaning perfectly clear, too.

[Black Cab]

The saying comes from days of old when horse draw fire pumps were parked on a ramp which was called "The Run" when there was a call the horse would be harnessed and the brake released thus making it quicker to get up to speed. The phrase is still used today and means that equipment or people on the run are fit, serviceable and ready for immediate use.