run into the ground
Overwork until ruined
To run something into the ground is to use, pursue, or repeat it to the point of exhaustion or ruin.
A business run into the ground has been mismanaged to failure.
A car run into the ground has been driven until it falls apart.
A joke run into the ground has been repeated past all humor: He ran that catchphrase into the ground within a week.
The phrase suggests relentless continuation well beyond any reasonable stopping point.
Deteriorate through use
- tire outDeplete one's energy
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
- drainChannel for wastewater
- depleteGreatly reduce supply
overwork · burnout · exhaust · sap · weary · tax · overextend · debilitate
wear out
Deteriorate through use
deplete · overwork · burnout · exhaust · sap · weary · tax · overextend · debilitate · frazzle
overdo
Exceed reasonable limits
- flogBeat with a whip
- repeatDo or say again
- oversaturateExceed absorption capacity
overplay · abuse · misuse · milk · exploit · recycle · rehash · exhaust · wear thin · hammer
destroy
Cause complete ruin
squander · devastate · demolish · collapse · tank · sabotage · run down · neglect · mishandle · waste
run into the groundnurture
Support growth and development
take care of · build up · look after · maintain · preserve
run into the groundrevitalize
Restore strength and vitality
restore · rejuvenate · revive · reinvigorate · rehabilitate
into, ground, running, runner, runners, grounds, grounded, grounding, groundless