English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Run out of steam
Meaning
The idiom "run out of steam" means to lose energy, enthusiasm or motivation. It can also mean that something has run out of its allotted time or has been exhausted.
Usage
- I was really excited about this project, but I think I've run out of steam halfway through.
- He used to be such a lively person, but he seems to have run out of steam since the pandemic started.
- We had a great first half, but we ran out of steam in the second half and lost the game.
- She was so passionate about her career, but I think she's run out of steam and is considering a change.
- The car has run out of steam and needs to be towed back to the garage.
Roots and History
The idiom "run out of steam" is believed to have originated in the early days of train travel. Locomotives were powered by coal, which would gradually run out during long journeys. As the locomotive slowed down, it would lose steam and eventually stop altogether. This metaphor was then applied to other situations where energy or motivation was being used up.
Synonyms in English
- Run out of gas
- Lose momentum
- Losing steam
- Burn out
- Exhausted
Synonyms in other languages
- 燃尽力量 (Japanese) - To burn out all your strength.
- אםכם שמות נטןגת ביינדל עלך (Hebrew) - If your name is Netanyahu or any other name that has the same root as Netanyahu, you have run out of steam.