Phrase guide

run on fumes

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To operate a vehicle that is low on fuel.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: automotive, transport, vehicles

Examples

  • We were running on fumes by the time we arrived, but we made it to the next gas station.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To operate with few resources, or be physically or emotionally overworked.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly, figuratively

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: run on empty, run out of steam
  • The organization had been running on fumes for months, so it's not surprising that they closed their doors.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: run on empty, run out of steam

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.