run on empty
Persist without reserves
To run on empty is to continue functioning despite having exhausted one's resources, energy, or reserves.
The image comes from a car's fuel gauge—operating past the point where the tank shows nothing left.
After three nights without sleep, I was running on empty.
The phrase often describes pushing through fatigue, emotional depletion, or burnout when stopping isn't an option.
- depletedSeverely reduced or emptied
- sputterEmit irregular popping sounds
- surviveContinue to exist
- second windRenewed energy after fatigue
- dragResistance through fluid
exhausted · dead tired · fatigue · unsustainable · gasp · struggle · push through · persevere · stumble · pant · coasting · weary · last legs · burnout · gas tank · shortfall · low fuel · endurance
run on emptyfully charged
well-rested · firing on all cylinders · full of energy · energized · topped up
run on emptywell-maintained
Properly looked after
balanced · thriving · flourishing · restored · recuperated
run, runs, running, runner, runners, runny, overrun, rerun, empty