to run low on gas
1
3.2
- phrasal verb
- US
:
quedarse sin gasolina
- We're running low on gas in the car, so we need to stop at a station soon.
Examples
-
When we noticed we were running low on gas, we searched for the nearest fuel station.
-
My contention is that every company does have an accurate gauge that will warn anyone who wants to notice that the company is running low on gas for its culture, which of course is what drives the company to recognize and respond to change.
Blog text (2) -
We're running low on gas.
-
People are running low on gas; not everyone can get to Sunset Park.
Blog text (3) -
You're running low on gas.
-
Of course, cars have gas gauges to let drivers know when they are running low on gas.
Blog text (2) -
He realized they were running low on gas just as they entered the highway.
Synonyms
31
2.5
To have only a small amount left
14
3.7
To have very little of something left
8
7.5
To keep working with very little energy or money left
Antonyms
How Full
- Informal
10
1.9
1
3.0
- US
1
3.2
- Informal
3
7.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
The component 'low on gas' is transparent — 'low' + 'gas' clearly indicate insufficient fuel — but 'run' here has a non-literal sense of 'become' or 'reach a depleted state' rather than physical running. This verbal extension is common but somewhat idiomatic, so a B1 learner who knows the words might guess the meaning but may need prior exposure to the verb use; therefore it is semi-transparent.
Etymology
The phrase run low on gas gives a clear picture: as you drive, the car runs and the amount of gas goes low, leaving very little fuel to use. So it means 'to have almost no fuel left', especially in a car.