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What does “running on empty” mean?
Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.
C1
Extremely tired, with no energy left to give
“By Thursday I was running on empty.”
Say it smoothly: “ru-nning-on-empty”
From the C1 lesson How Are You Really? (moods and feelings).
C1
Exhausted, with no energy left
“By Friday I was running on empty.”
From the C1 lesson Full of Beans (energy and routines).
Quick check
What does “running on empty” mean?
Teaching this phrase?“running on empty” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 2 (Plans, Problems and Feelings) and Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 4 (Communication, Decisions and Habits).
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See the C1 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
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Related phrases
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- at a low ebbgoing through a difficult, low period, emotionally or otherwise
- in good spiritsfeeling happy, positive and optimistic
- keep it togetherto stay calm and in control, especially during a difficult moment
- on cloud nineextremely happy, elated
- down in the dumpsfeeling sad, low or a bit depressed
- over the moonextremely pleased and happy about something
- out of sortsnot feeling quite right, either physically or emotionally
- a weight off your shouldersa strong sense of relief after removing a worry or burden
- brimming with energyfull of energy and enthusiasm
- get into the swing of thingsto become comfortable and productive in a new routine or activity
- a stickler for routinesomeone who insists on doing things the same way every time