be running on empty Continuing to operate with no or very little enthusiasm, energy, or resources left. A reference to a car that has nearly run out of fuel. 已经消耗完热情、能量或资源的情况下，继续运作。有点像是汽车在燃料用完的情况下继续运动的感觉。 这个短语用在人身上则表示某人“精疲力竭，累到十分空虚(仍然坚持工作或活动)”的状态。 They know we have been running on empty for years. 他们知道，我们已经坐吃山空好多年了。 I'm really running on empty. 我真的已经没劲儿了。