ENGLISH
REFERENCE

run out

idiom
Meaning

To use up or consume all


Examples
SIMPLE

We run out of milk every Sunday.

CONTEXTUAL

The chef had to close the restaurant early because they ran out of fresh ingredients for the dinner menu.

COMPLEX

As the expedition team realized they had run out of essential supplies, they were forced to abandon their ascent and descend the mountain immediately.

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

    good run

    Success over an extended period.

  6. 06

    hit and run

    A road accident in which a driver hits someone and then drives away without stopping to help or take responsibility.

  7. 07

    hold with the hare and run with the hounds

    To oppose an action or behavior and yet engage in the same action or behavior; to be a hypocrite.

  8. 08

    learn to walk before one can run

    Before one can perform a complicated task, one has to learn how to perform more simple tasks.

Last updated April 17, 2026