- To lose energy, enthusiasm, motivation, or momentum needed to continue an activity or effort.
Explanation
Origin
- Derived from the age of steam power (trains, ships, factories).
- When a steam engine used up its supply of steam (produced by burning fuel to heat water), it would lose power and stop.
- This literal concept was applied figuratively to people or projects losing their driving force.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Be gassed (Tired, exhausted)
- Be beat (Tired)
- Be knackered (UK/Aus Tired)
- Hit the wall
- Be running on fumes
Milder/Formal:
- Lost motivation/energy
- Became fatigued
- Reached a point of exhaustion
- My enthusiasm waned
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in most informal and semi-formal contexts, including work discussions about projects or personal energy levels.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally straightforward and unlikely to be misunderstood.
Examples
- The project started well, but we ran out of steam halfway through.
- I wanted to finish cleaning the house, but I ran out of steam after lunch.
- The political campaign seemed to run out of steam in the final weeks.
Dialogue
Alice: How's the marathon training going?
Bob: It was great for the first month, but honestly, I've kind of run out of steam lately.
Alice: Yeah, it happens. Maybe try running with a group to get motivated again?
Bob: That's a good idea.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Was so productive this morning, but totally ran out of steam after 2 PM. Need coffee! ☕ #WorkLife #Motivation
- Post: Started writing my novel with so much excitement, but now I feel like I've run out of steam. Any tips for writer's block? #AmWriting #WritingCommunity
- Comment: The campaign really ran out of steam towards the end, didn't it?
Response Patterns
- Maybe take a break and recharge?
- Yeah, I know the feeling.
- What happened? Did you lose motivation?
- Push through it! (If encouraging someone)
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they've run out of steam:
- One might ask Why do you think that happened? or Do you need some help? or suggest Perhaps you should rest.
- Action often involves stopping the activity, taking a break, or trying to find new motivation.
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually describes a state or situation mid-conversation.
Intonation
- Stress typically falls on run, out, and steam. We just RAN OUT of STEAM.
- Often said with a tone of slight resignation or tiredness.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood by all generations, though the steam engine reference might be less immediate for younger people.
Regional Variations
- Common across English-speaking regions.