run out
1. To leave (some place) very quickly by or as if by running. She ran out in tears after he told her that their relationship was over. I got so embarrassed after botching my presentation that I just packed up my things and ran out of the room.
2. To be depleted of something; to use or sell all of something that is available. Often followed by "of (something)." We better stop at the next exit to make sure we don't run out of gas. The store ran out of bottled water and canned food after the government issued their warning about the storm. Do we have any milk left or did we run out?
3. To become exhausted, depleted, or used up. I hope the food doesn't run out before we're rescued. We were still 12 miles away from the city when our gas ran out. You need to give me an answer soon—time is running out!
4. To leave for a brief period. I have to run out and do a couple of errands. Do you need anything? Will someone run out for some more hamburger buns?
5. To abandon a romantic relationship with one. Often followed by "on (someone)." I don't know what I'll do if Sarah runs out on me. I thought Jack really loved me, but he ran out as soon as I wasn't earning as much money as I used to.
6. To drive or chase someone away (from some place) with force or the threat thereof. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "run" and "out." The sheriff ran the bandits out of town last winter, but it looks like they're back again. The security guard ran out the thieves before they could sneak into the warehouse. My wife ran me out when she found out that I had gambled away our life savings.
run out on (someone or something)
To abandon someone or something that one is committed to or responsible for, especially very suddenly or abruptly. I can't believe you would even consider running out on your family when they need you the most! The jerk at table four ran out on his bill, leaving us in the lurch for nearly $250.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.