tired out

tire out

To exhaust, fatigue, or deplete the energy of someone or an animal. A noun or pronoun can be used between "tire" and "out." These long meetings are starting to tire out the staff. Our new puppy has so much energy that I have to take him for a run each day to tire him out.

See also: out, tire

tired out

Exceptionally exhausted or fatigued. All that running around has the kids pretty tired out, so we might have a relaxed afternoon inside. I'm pretty tired out after all that travel, but it's good to finally be home.

See also: out, tired

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

tired out

Also, tired to death. Exhausted, as in She looked tired out after that trip, or He came home tired to death. The first term dates from the second half of the 1500s; the second, a hyperbole, was first recorded in 1740. Also see sick and tired; to death.

See also: out, tired

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.