run short

English

Verb

run short (third-person singular simple present runs short, present participle running short, simple past ran short, past participle run short)

1. (intransitive, or transitive with 'of') To have used up or consumed the majority (of something), so that little remains.

   How much ice cream is left? Are we running short?

   We're running short of wine. Could you fetch some more, please?

2. To be nearly used up or consumed.

   Patience is running short.

See also

• run low
• run out