English Idioms

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Running on fumes

Meaning

The idiom "running on fumes" means to be in a state of exhaustion or extreme fatigue, often due to lack of sleep, poor diet, or overexertion. It can also refer to being out of energy or stamina, feeling drained or depleted, and lacking the ability to perform at one's usual level.

Usage

  • After working long hours at the office, John felt like he was running on fumes and needed a day off to rest.
  • The marathon runners were pushing themselves to the limit, but they knew they couldn't afford to run on fumes during the race.
  • Sarah had been studying for her exams non-stop for weeks, and by the end of it, she felt like she was running on fumes.
  • The airline crew had to work multiple flights in a row with no breaks, leaving them feeling exhausted and running on fumes.
  • After completing their project, the team was proud of their accomplishment but also realized they needed to take some time off to recharge before starting another project.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "running on fumes" is unclear, but there are several theories as to how it came about. One theory suggests that it comes from the early days of automobiles when cars ran on gasoline and would eventually run out of fuel, leaving drivers feeling drained and depleted. Another theory connects the idiom to the ancient practice of sacrificing animals to appease gods and spirits, where the animals were often run until they were near death or collapse, leaving people feeling exhausted and depleted. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has remained relatively consistent, but its usage has varied depending on the context. For example, it can be used in a positive context to describe someone who is pushing themselves to their limits and needs some rest, or in a negative context to describe someone who is exhausted and unable to perform at their usual level.

Synonyms in English

  • Exhausted
  • Drained
  • Fatigued
  • Depleted
  • Worn out

Synonyms in other languages

  • Spanish: agotado/a (exhausted)
  • French: épuisé/e (exhausted)
  • German: ausgeschöpft/e (exhausted)
  • Italian: stanco/a (exhausted)
  • Portuguese: cansado/a (exhausted)

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