Idiom: Running on Fumes
Example 1:
Nancy: How long until
we reach the hotel?
Jason: About 50 miles.
Why?
Nancy: I was hoping we
wouldn’t have to stop before arriving, but we need to stop for gas at the next
station. We’ve been running on fumes for a few miles and I
don’t want to push the car in the dark!
Jason: Neither do I!
The GPS says there’s a gas station one mile ahead.
Example 2:
Student life is so
hard! This week, I had to write a 10-page paper in my sociology class and I
have a midterm on Friday in my economics class. Between my part-time
job, writing, and studying for the test, I’m running on fumes! I don’t
think I’ll have enough energy to enjoy the weekend.
Meaning: The expression running
on fumes can be used to describe a vehicle/person with no
fuel/energy left, but somehow they keep on going.
