ENGLISH
REFERENCE

run on empty

idiom
Meaning

To be losing enthusiasm or willingness; to lack motivation.


Origin

disputed origin

An allusion to a vehicle operating with the fuel gauge pointing to empty or near empty, likely to stop running in the very near future.

Examples
SIMPLE

I am tired and running on empty today.

CONTEXTUAL

After working three jobs all month, he is clearly running on empty and needs a long vacation.

COMPLEX

Despite his dedication to the project, the exhausted researcher was running on empty and could no longer find the motivation to continue his work.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    break into a run

    To start running.

  2. 02

    common run

    Ordinary persons, things, or events.

  3. 03

    dry run

    A practice or rehearsal; especially, one that goes through all the motions of a physical process but without the raw material or workpiece present.

  4. 04

    dummy run

    A trial or practice before the real attempt.

  5. 05

    empty suit

    An ineffective or incompetent person in a place of authority.

  6. 06

    empty the clip

    To compete with great vigor, especially by making numerous scoring attempts.

  7. 07

    empty the tank

    To make the utmost effort; to contribute to the absolute limit of one's energy and abilities.

  8. 08

    empty words

    Any type of talk with little meaning; a message that seems to contain meaningful content but is actually vapid.

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