What Does "Run on Empty" Mean?
"Run on empty" is an English idiom. It means "to operate or function with very little or no remaining fuel, energy, resources, or enthusiasm; to continue despite being depleted or exhausted."Examples in Sentences
Here are three examples of the idiom "run on empty" used in a sentence:- After a long day of work, she felt like she was running on empty and desperately needed some rest.
- The car sputtered to a stop on the highway, having run on empty for miles without refueling.
- In a high-stress job, employees may find themselves running on empty if they do not prioritize self-care and relaxation.
What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Run on Empty" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.
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