run short

run short

1. To dwindle; to be nearly used, spent, or consumed. I knew time was running short for us to find a solution. They warn that the natural resource is beginning to run short.
2. To near the end of a supply of something. Usually followed by "on" or "of." We're running short of paper towels right now, so use them judiciously. I'm running short on patience, Tom, so please get to the point.
3. To finish earlier than expected. Our rehearsals ran short today, so I was able to get back home in time for dinner. You could tell the show ran short, because the presenters started talking about all sorts of random stuff to fill the rest of the hour.
See also: run, short

run short of (something)

To near the end of a supply of something. We're running short of paper towels right now, so use them judiciously.
See also: of, run, short
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

run short (of something)

to begin to run out of something. We are running short of eggs. I always keep enough so I will never run short.
See also: run, short
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

run short

Use something up so that a supply runs out or becomes insufficient, as in We ran short of envelopes, or The organization is running short of money. [Mid-1700s]
See also: run, short
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • run short of (something)
  • peter out
  • trail away
  • trail off
  • gutter
  • gutter out
  • tail off
  • to be fair (to someone or something)
  • out of date
  • in the depths of something
References in periodicals archive
ATN's are expected to run short of money due to the five-day long Eid holidays, bank officials said.
-Pakistani bank ATMs running short of cash
In light of iPhone adopting any layer HDI board, Unimicron executives pointed out that supplies of the high-end PCBs will likely run short in two to three years as the iPhone will inspire other smartphone makers to embrace the boards.
Hot-selling iPads and iPhones to strain PCB supply
But EBRI's model, released in August, projected that 29 percent of those in the next-to-highest income level will run short of money to cover basic expenses and uninsured health costs after 20 years in retirement, as will 13 percent of those in the highest-income level.
Money shortfalls projected for 'early baby boomers'
Peter Kavanagh's, in Egerton Street, Toxteth, is among those which have run short of Cains.
Cains beer hits hiccup over pub deliveries; IN ASSOCIATION WITH Rensburg Sheppards Administrators reassure landlords
The shop is looking for experts in card making, felting and textiles to run short workshops mainly aimed at children.
Appeal for crafty skills
CASH-STRAPPED students often run short of money at the worst possible moment.
Your MONEY: Students stay Quids in with mum and dad; CASHPOINT
Justin Langer, who was out one run short of his 23rd Test century, said of Lara: "I love watching him bat, he's the king."
CRICKET : 11,187..that's a Lara, Lara runs