Run on empty Meaning in English
expression
释义
To keep going or working when you are exhausted or do not have any energy left, like a car driving with almost no fuel.
用法与细微差别
Informal expression, commonly used to talk about people who are exhausted but keep working or pushing themselves. Not literal—rarely refers to cars or machines except as a metaphor. Phrases: 'I'm running on empty', 'She was running on empty at work.'
例句
I'm so tired. I feel like I run on empty every day.
basic
She stayed late at work, but she was just running on empty.
basic
Students run on empty during exam week.
basic
After pulling two all-nighters, I'm totally running on empty right now.
natural
You can’t keep running on empty forever—eventually you'll burn out.
natural
By Friday, most teachers are just running on empty and waiting for the weekend.
natural