Idioms

run out of steam

This page is about the idiom run out of steam

Meaning

If someone runs out of steam, they run out of energy or enthusiasm. If something runs out of steam, it loses momentum and slows down.

For example

  • Steve started the game well, but he ran out of steam towards the end. He needs to work on his fitness.

  • Hillary's campaign ran out of steam when it became clear there was no way she could win the nomination.

Quick Quiz

Grandma was having a great time at the party, but I could see she was running out of steam by about ten o'clock, so I

a. offered to take her home

b. asked her cook everyone a nice meal

c. told her to sing and dance around to liven up the party
a) offered to take her home b) asked her cook everyone a nice meal c) told her to sing and dance around to liven up the party

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey