run out of steam
To run out of energy or motivation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I always run out of steam by the end of the day.”
“We worked on the project for six hours before we started to run out of steam.”
“Although the team began the marathon with great enthusiasm, they eventually ran out of steam as the grueling final miles approached.”
- 01
blow off steam
To vent; to talk or take action (especially in a ranting or unrestrained way) so as to relieve stress.
- 02
break into a run
To start running.
- 03
common run
Ordinary persons, things, or events.
- 04
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.
- 05
dummy run
A trial or practice before the real attempt.
- 06
employ a steam engine to crack a nut
To carry out a simple task in an overcomplicated manner.
- 07
good run
Success over an extended period.
- 08
head of steam
A significant amount of energy, vigour or momentum, sufficient to make progress or succeed in a task.
Last updated August 10, 2026