run out of steam
run out of steam
also, run out of gas
Meaning | Synonyms
- to lose the effect that something ones had
- to fail slowly
- to stall or become stagnant
Example Sentences
- The project ran out of steam quite early on and then for it to take of was obviously quite difficult.
- The problem with this couple was that they ran out of steam within the first few years of their marriage and now are dragging on.
- The lawyer ran out of steam in his argument in the first phase of the case and so it was not a surprise that he lost.
- The politician run out of steam to take any action as soon as the elections get over. I have seen it happen over and over again.
- How can you run out of steam on such an important project? This could be the biggest thing on your resume.
- The vehicle ran out of steam and is not even a surprise given how old it is.
- The volunteers start strong but usually run out of steam pretty quickly afterwards.
Origin
The phrase is speculated to have originated in the 1920's but a literary origin could not be traced accurately.