[run] on fumes
1
to continue functioning despite being extremely tired
The exact origin of the idiom "run on fumes" is unclear, as it has become a common idiomatic expression in the English language. The usage of "fumes" in this context likely stems from the idea of a vehicle running on the vapors or remaining traces of fuel, indicating that it is nearly out of gas.
- I'm running on fumes — didn't sleep last night.
- The team is running on fumes but still giving their best effort to finish the project.
- He ran on fumes for weeks during the busy season at work.
- We pulled an all-nighter and were running on fumes by morning.
- They will be running on fumes if they don't take a break and recharge soon.
2
to operate with almost no fuel left
- The car was running on fumes by the time we found a gas station.
- The boat ran on fumes back to the dock.
- The old truck ran on fumes for the last few miles.
- We made it to the airport while running on fumes.
- That bike's engine is running on fumes — it needs a refill.