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idiom

Run on Empty

RUN on EMP-tee

/rʌn ɒn ˈɛmptiː/

Listen

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Syllable breakdown

RunonEmpty

Dictionary meaning

To continue working or functioning despite being exhausted, depleted of resources, or running on the very last reserves of energy. Borrowed from the image of a vehicle nearly out of fuel.

Examples

  • After a week of overnight shifts, the nurses were running on empty.
  • The startup was running on empty, with barely enough cash to make payroll.

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