To become weary; to exhaust one’s energy.
Although steam engines were a nineteenth-century invention, this term comes from the mid-twentieth century. Dick Francis used it in Slayride (1973): “When I’d run out of steam, they would begin to nod.”
Similar Terms, Expressions, and Idioms:
- Burnout: To become physically or mentally exhausted, especially by overwork.
- Hit the wall: To reach a point where physical or mental energy is depleted.
- Out of gas: A term indicating exhaustion and a lack of energy to continue.
- Tired to the bone: Extremely fatigued, often to the point of incapacitation.
- On its last legs: To be near the end of one’s strength or resources.
Proverbs and Quotes:
- “Fatigue is the best pillow.” – Benjamin Franklin
- “To be a champ, you have to believe in yourself when nobody else will.” – Sugar Ray Robinson
- “The body achieves what the mind believes.” – Anonymous
Related Literature, Music, and Movies:
- Book: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath – A novel exploring mental exhaustion.
- Song: “Manic Monday” by The Bangles – A catchy beat expressing everyday exhaustion.
- Poetry: We Wear the Mask by Paul Laurence Dunbar – Delves into emotional and mental fatigue.
- Movie: Office Space (1999) – Comedy highlighting the mundane exhaustion of corporate life.
### Which of these is a real idiom relating to exhaustion?
- [x] Running out of steam
- [ ] Hopping on helium feet
- [ ] Dancing with flat tires
- [ ] Breathing in slow motion
> **Explanation:** "Running out of steam" is a well-known idiom meaning you’re becoming exhausted or losing motivation. The other options are just comically random.
### What does "burnout" commonly refer to?
- [x] Mental or physical exhaustion from overwork
- [ ] Setting something ablaze
- [ ] A trendy new dance move
- [ ] A type of fruit pie
> **Explanation:** "Burnout" typically means becoming extremely tired, especially due to excessive work or stress. Not a delicious pie, much to our dismay.
### True or False: 'Out of gas' is an idiom indicating lack of energy.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! "Out of gas" means you’re plumb tuckered out, whether physically or mentally.
Remember, dear reader: fatigue is simply the gentle nudge from the universe reminding us to pause, glance at the stars, and appreciate the still moments. As Frazzle Swiftstein, a fictitious philosopher from our imagination, once pondered: “Why sprint, when even the mightiest rivers bend and rest?”
Stay ever-curious and occasionally relaxed, 🛤️
A. Lexa Humorist
