In a gasoline-powered vehicle, running on fumes means having no fuel left in the tank although the motor continues to run on the fumes left in the engine. An engine can’t run on ‘fumes’ for more than a few seconds, but when the fuel in a tank is very low, it can cause the fuel pump to suck up both fuel and air, which may be the origin of this misconception. Regardless of the accuracy of the phrase, this idea of continuing to drive a car after the fuel gauge reads empty has fallen into general figurative use.
Meaning of Idiom ‘Running on Fumes’
1. To be running on fumes means to continue to do something even though you are extremely tired and out of energy; to stay awake despite being exhausted.
2. To continue to work or function despite dwindling resources, money, etc.
Another way to say running on fumes is ‘running on empty.’ Both variations allude to a vehicle’s fuel tank running dry.
The idiom ‘run out of gas‘ is similar, but not a synonym. To run out of gas means to exhaust a supply of fuel, energy, resources, supplies, etc. so that an activity can no longer continue. To ‘run out of something’ means to use one’s entire supply of something. Thus, if a car ‘runs out of gas’ it has burned all its fuel.
Another similar idiom is to lose steam, an expression that alludes to steam locomotive engines running out of energy and thus weakening.
Sentence Examples
“After winning three gold medals, the swimmer was running on fumes, yet he still led his relay team to victory.”
“I’ve been working on the house during all my free time while still holding down a full-time job. I’m running on fumes.”
“I’m running on fumes but I need to get all these dishes washed and some laundry done.”
“Their marriage was running on fumes. It’s not surprising they were both seeing other people.”
“How is Christopher doing?” “Doesn’t sleep, keeps running on fumes.” — Fireflies in the Garden (2008)
Origin
Both ‘running on fumes’ and the variation ‘running on empty’ have been used since the latter half of the 20th century. These phrases allude to an engine that continues to run even though its fuel is exhausted.
More Automotive Idioms