run out of

Idioms and Phrases

Exhaust a supply or quantity of, as in We're about to run out of coffee and sugar . This expression, dating from about 1700, can be used both literally and figuratively. Thus run out of gas may mean one no longer has any fuel, but it has also acquired the figurative sense of exhausting a supply of energy, enthusiasm, or support, and hence causing some activity to come to a halt. For example, After running ten laps I ran out of gas and had to rest to catch my breath , or The economic recovery seems to have run out of gas . On the other hand, run out of steam , originally alluding to a steam engine, today is used only figuratively to indicate a depletion of energy of any kind.

Example Sentences

He asked Poulain to testify in support of his claim, but Poulain had run out of patience.

From Science Magazine

Jim Harbaugh has run out of ways to describe Justin Herbert’s athletic feats.

From Los Angeles Times

The stalemate saw the firm run out of money - and Ferguson's fell back into administration in August 2019.

From BBC

Thames Water chief executive Chris Weston previously warned that the company only has enough cash to survive till next May but many think it will run out of money by Christmas.

From BBC

Mushie was gone, having gotten out of her harness somehow and run out of the gate.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absorb
• deplete
• devour
• dominate
• drain
• eat up
• employ
• exhaust
• expend
• obsess
• preoccupy
• spend
• waste