# run out of steam

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/run-out-of-steam
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To run out of energy or motivation.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.