run on empty

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run on empty

Where it comes from

An allusion to a vehicle operating with the fuel gauge pointing to empty or near empty, likely to stop running in the very near future.

verb runs on empty · running on empty · ran on empty · run on empty

idiomatic To be losing enthusiasm or willingness; to lack motivation. Near-synonyms: run on fumes, run out of steam
Similar: run on fumes, run out of steam

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MLA

"run on empty." Wiktionary, via Micwyn, micwyn.com/word/run%20on%20empty. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

APA

run on empty. (n.d.). In Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Retrieved November 6, 2026, from https://micwyn.com/word/run%20on%20empty

Chicago

"run on empty." Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://micwyn.com/word/run%20on%20empty.

BibTeX

@misc{run_on_empty_2026,
  title = {run on empty},
  howpublished = {Wiktionary, via Micwyn},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://micwyn.com/word/run%20on%20empty},
  urldate = {2026-11-06}
}