run out of steam

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

to lose momentum, energy, enthusiasm, or the capacity to continue an effort that was previously proceeding with vigour, reaching the point at which progress stalls because the driving force behind an initiative has been exhausted; the metaphor draws on the steam engine, which requires a continuous supply of steam pressure to maintain motion and slows to a halt when the boiler pressure drops; applied to people, campaigns, negotiations, or organisations it describes the natural exhaustion of initial enthusiasm and energy that challenges any sustained effort, and the point at which external fuel in the form of new ideas, resources, or leadership must be provided if the endeavour is to continue