well’s run dry, the 🌵
Definition:
The phrase “the well’s run dry” means that a once plentiful source or supply has been depleted or exhausted.
Origin:
The word “well” for an underground water source has been used figuratively since 1400. This expression appeared in Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack (1757) and has been attributed to him: “When the well’s dry, they know the worth of water.”
Synonyms:
- Out of gas: When energy or resources are completely used up.
- Tapped out: Used when all available resources have been exhausted.
- Bone dry: Describes something that has been completely drained or lacks moisture.
Antonyms:
- Overflowing: When there’s an abundance of resources.
- Plentiful supply: Enough resources or ample provision.
- Teeming with: Full of an abundant amount of sources or resources.
Related Expressions:
- Hitting the wall: Reaching the point of physical or mental exhaustion beyond which one cannot continue.
- All dried up: Having no more of something; depleted.
- Nothing left in the tank: No remaining energy or resources.
Proverbs & Quotes:
- “Waste not, want not.” - Robert Burton
- “We never know the worth of water till the well is dry.” - Thomas Fuller
- “Last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice.” - T. S. Eliot
Suggested Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Book: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
- Song: “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” - Elton John
- Movie: Cast Away (2000) - Directed by Robert Zemeckis
- Poetry: “The Waste Land” - T. S. Eliot
### Which of these expressions means the same as "the well's run dry"?
- [x] Tapped out
- [ ] Bursting at the seams
- [ ] Swimming in resources
- [ ] Overflowing
> **Explanation:** "Tapped out" means all available resources have been exhausted, much like a dry well.
### Which is NOT a synonym for "the well's run dry"?
- [ ] Out of gas
- [ ] Bone dry
- [x] Brimming
- [ ] Nothing left in the tank
> **Explanation:** "Brimming" means full to the point of overflowing, the opposite of running dry.
### True or False: "The well’s run dry" is a relatively recent expression, coined in the 20th century.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** This expression dates back to at least the mid-18th century, famously appearing in Benjamin Franklin’s *Poor Richard’s Almanack*.
### Which phrase describes a situation of having no more resources?
- [x] Hitting the wall
- [ ] Full of beans
- [ ] Overflowing with energy
- [ ] Living large
> **Explanation:** "Hitting the wall" refers to reaching the point where resources are depleted.
Inspirational Thought to Take Away:
A dry well teaches us to conserve and value what we have when it is abundant. Reflect upon the resources you use daily and consider sustainable practices.
Until next time, keep your wells full and your spirits higher. Remember, every drop counts!
