Meaning: This idiom means to continue doing something even though you have almost no energy, resources, or motivation left. It implies that a person is barely managing to keep going despite being exhausted or depleted.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “After working a 12-hour shift, I’m running on fumes but I still have to finish this report.”
- “She’s been taking care of the newborn and working full-time; she’s really running on fumes.”
- “The company has been running on fumes for months, struggling to stay afloat financially.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “running on fumes” comes from the automotive world. When a car is running low on fuel, it might continue to operate for a short while on the remaining fuel vapors or “fumes” in the tank. This precarious state of barely functioning due to lack of fuel has been metaphorically extended to describe people or organizations that are continuing to operate despite being nearly out of energy or resources. The phrase has been in use since at least the late 20th century and effectively conveys the idea of pushing forward with minimal reserves
