run out
Related to run out: run out of time, ran out
run out
1. To leave (some place) very quickly by or as if by running. She ran out in tears after he told her that their relationship was over. I got so embarrassed after botching my presentation that I just packed up my things and ran out of the room.
2. To be depleted of something; to use or sell all of something that is available. Often followed by "of (something)." We better stop at the next exit to make sure we don't run out of gas. The store ran out of bottled water and canned food after the government issued their warning about the storm. Do we have any milk left or did we run out?
3. To leave for a brief period. I have to run out and do a couple of errands. Do you need anything? Will someone run out for some more hamburger buns?
4. To abandon a romantic relationship with one. Often followed by "on (someone)." I don't know what I'll do if Sarah runs out on me. I thought Jack really loved me, but he ran out as soon as I wasn't earning as much money as I used to.
5. To drive or chase someone away (from some place) with force or the threat thereof. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "run" and "out." The sheriff ran the bandits out of town last winter, but it looks like they're back again. The security guard ran out the thieves before they could sneak into the warehouse. My wife ran me out when she found out that I had gambled away our life savings.
See also: out, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
run out (on someone)
to depart and leave someone behind. My date ran out on me at the restaurant, and I had to pay the bill. Her boyfriend ran out when she needed him the most.
See also: out, run
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
run out
1. Become used up or exhausted, as in Our supplies have run out. [Late 1600s]
2. Compel to leave; see run off, def. 5.
3. Become void, expire, as in Our renter's insurance ran out last month. [c. 1300] Also see run out of; run out on.
See also: out, run
run out on
Desert, abandon, as in He's run out on the family. [First half of 1900s]
See also: on, out, run
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
run out
v.
1. To hasten on foot to an exterior or distant place: Let's run out to the lake and swim.
2. To make a brief trip to fetch or buy something, especially by car: I'll run out for some more beer.
3. To be used until nothing remains: Our supplies finally ran out and we had nothing to eat.
4. To use something until there is none left: I think we've run out of toothpaste. Bring enough money so that you don't run out before your return.
5. To compel someone to leave by force or threat: The sheriff ran the gangsters out of town. We sneaked into the yard to get the ball, and a pair of vicious dogs ran us out.
6. To become void, especially through the passage of time: Our insurance policy will run out next week.
See also: out, run
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- run out on
- embarrass (someone) into (doing something)
- embarrass into doing
- jag off
- jagged
- muffin
- buff the muffin
- have the horn
- embarrass with
- embarrass (someone) with (something)