'run off' vs 'run down'

[Iglo]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #150 "Idioms with the phrasal verb run", question 5

The ......... apartment block failed to attact any buyers and was taken off the market so renovations could be carried out.

(a) run off
(b) run through
(c) run after
(d) run down

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #150 "Idioms with the phrasal verb run", answer 5

The run down apartment block failed to attact any buyers and was taken off the market so renovations could be carried out.

Correct answer: (d) run down
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Why not run off?

Iglo

[Lost_Soul]

Hi,

run down might mean dilapidated, in bad condition
run off does not have that meaning.

[Gheon]

The run down apartment block failed to attact any buyers - "r" in the middle of attract is missing.
Should be like this: The run down apartment block failed to attract any buyers ...
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[Beeesneees]

In this case, as Lost Soul says, 'run down' means in a poor state of repair.

I have also heard it used informally in place of 'run over' by many English speakers:
"The girl was 'run down' when she crossed the busy street."
(though I believe 'run over' is the correct form).

'Run off' is to 'run away'
"The mother warned her boy not to run off."
"The dog ran off with the meat."

You might also hear 'run off' used in place of 'draw off' where the meaning is to pour liquid.
"Please turn the tap on to run off/draw off all the remaining water from the system."
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