run short
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (intransitive): To become depleted or nearly exhausted; to have an insufficient amount remaining.
Usage
This verb phrase describes a situation where the supply or quantity of something is almost completely used up. It often implies a need for replenishment. It is typically followed by the preposition "of" when specifying what is becoming scarce.
Examples
- Our supplies are running short. We need to order more.
- The project ran short of funds before completion.
- I hope we don't run short of food before the guests arrive.
Advanced Usage
- To run short on time: To have very little time remaining to complete a task.
- We're running short on time, so let's skip to the final point.
- To run oneself short: To put oneself in a position of having too little of something, often money.
- By lending him so much, she ran herself short for the rent.
Variants and Related Words
- Run low: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "run short."
- The battery is running low.
- Shortage (n): A state or situation in which something needed cannot be obtained in sufficient amounts.
- There is a shortage of skilled workers.
Synonyms
- Dwindle
- Diminish
- Be in short supply
- Be nearly exhausted
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Run out of: To use all of something so that there is none left. This is stronger than "run short of," indicating complete exhaustion.
- We ran out of milk. (There is none left.)
- We are running short of milk. (There is very little left.)
Related Idioms
- To be running on empty/fumes: To continue despite having almost no energy, resources, or motivation left.
- After working three shifts, I'm running on fumes.
Verb
- to be spent or finished
- The money had gone after a few days
- Gas is running low at the gas stations in the Midwest