run out of steam Definition

steam
noun

1a. The colourless gas formed by vaporizing water at 100°C, which becomes visible in air due to suspended water droplets, and which can be used as a source of power or energy, eg in steam engines;

Thesaurus: mist, vapour, condensation, dampness, fumes, haze.
1b. Any similar vapour, especially one that is produced when an aqueous liquid is heated.
2. colloq
Power, energy or speed.
Example: I haven't got the steam to climb any further
3a. Powered by steam;

Example: a steam generator
3b. Using steam;

Example: a steam iron
3c. humorous
Old-fashioned.
Example: a steam computer

verb steamed, steaming

intr
1. To give off steam.
2. To cook, etc using steam.
intr
3. To move under the power of steam.
intr
4. colloq
To go at speed.
Example: steamed up the road to catch the bus

Derivative: steamed
adj

Idiom: be (all) steamed up (get (all) steamed up)

colloq
To be very angry or excited.

Idiom: full steam ahead

Forward as fast as possible or with as much energy, enthusiasm, gusto, etc as possible.

Idiom: get up steam

Said of the boiler of a steam ship, locomotive, etc: to be in the process of heating up.

Idiom: let off steam

To release bottled-up energy or emotions, eg anger.

Idiom: run out of steam

To become depleted of energy, power, enthusiasm, etc.

Idiom: steam open

To surreptitiously undo the seal of (a letter, especially one addressed to someone else) by directing steam at it.

Idiom: under one's own steam

Unassisted by anyone else.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon.

Phrasal Verb: steam up

Said of a transparent or reflective surface: to become clouded by tiny water droplets formed from condensed steam.
Example: His glasses steamed up

Phrasal Verb: steam something up

To make it steam up.