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Run on Fumes

What Does "Run on Fumes" Mean?

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"Run on fumes" is an English idiom. It means "to continue moving forward or functioning with very little energy, resources, or endurance remaining; to persist despite exhaustion or depletion."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "run on fumes" used in a sentence:
  • She managed to complete the marathon, running on fumes in the final stretch of the race.
  • After a sleepless night, he had to give a presentation at work while running on fumes, relying on sheer determination to get through it.
  • The team's dedication to the project allowed them to run on fumes and meet the deadline, despite working long hours.
meaning for run on fumes

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 Fumes" 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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