[run] out of steam
1
to lose one's enthusiasm or motivation, making one incapable of finishing a job or task
- I started out excited about the project, but after a few months I ran out of steam and didn't want to do it anymore.
- The team started out strong, but they ran out of steam in the second half of the game and lost.
- The politician started out with a lot of momentum, but he ran out of steam and lost the election.
- The relationship started out great, but it ran out of steam after a few years and ended.
2
to lack the energy necessary to complete a job or task, particularly after a long period of activity
- I ran out of steam halfway up the mountain.
- The marathon runner ran out of steam in the final stretch.
3
to be without the necessary means to continue an activity or to fulfill a need
- The family ran out of steam and had to sell their house.
- The country ran out of steam and had to borrow money from other countries.
- The army ran out of steam and had to retreat.