English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Run out
Meaning
The idiom "run out" means to use up all of something, usually resources or supplies, until there is none left. It can also mean to use up one's patience, energy, or resources to the point of exhaustion.
Usage
- I forgot my charger at home and my phone died halfway through the day, so I had to run out and buy a new one.
- We ran out of milk and bread this morning, so we had to make a trip to the grocery store.
- My car ran out of gas on the highway, and it took me an hour to find the nearest gas station.
- I'm sorry, but I think we ran out of time for your presentation today.
- He ran out of steam halfway through his workout and had to take a break. The usage of "run out" can vary depending on the context. For example, it can be used in a positive or negative way, depending on the situation. In some cases, "running out" can be seen as a challenge or an opportunity, while in others, it can be seen as a problem or a failure.
Roots and History
The idiom "run out" dates back to the early 19th century, where it was first used in the sense of using up all of one's resources or supplies. Over time, the idiom has evolved to include other meanings, such as running out of patience or energy. The earliest known use of this idiom can be traced back to a 1823 dictionary by Jonas Green.
Synonyms in English
- Exhaust
- Deplete
- Use up
- Consume
- Drain
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: agotarse, desplegarse
- French: épuiser, se dépeindre
- German: ausbrauchen, sich erpuppen
- Italian: consumare, esaustarsi
- Japanese: 疲れる (fatiguer) or 衝突する (collide)