running on empty

Idioms

At the end of one's resources, out of money, as in I don't know how much longer we can live this way—we're running on empty with no jobs in sight. This idiom refers to a car running when the gas gauge indicates it is out of fuel. [Second half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Barrelates and classical Pilates for when you’re running on empty.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026

"When sleep deprive yourself over a long period of time, chronically, not only are you running on empty, you're also keeping the stress hormones and the stress levels in your brain high."

From Salon • Sep. 3, 2023

Damani is a driver running on empty and veering out of control.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 6, 2023

A team that proclaimed its intention to “run it back” and become the first team in nearly two decades to repeat as Super Bowl champion appears to be running on empty.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2022

The city is running on empty - no water, electricity, or mobile phone networks - and preparing for the worst.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023