run short of (something)
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.
be/run short of something
not have enough of something; only have a small amount of something left: We’re running short of butter. Can you get some more today? I’m a bit short of money at the moment. OPPOSITE: be well off for somethingSee also: of, run, short, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- run short
- 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- out of date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