run out

run out  {v.}

1a. To come to an end; be used up.

Jerry almost got across the brook on the slippery stones but his luck ran out and he slipped and fell.

We'd better do our Christmas shopping; time is running out.

Syn.: GIVE OUT (5).

1b. To use all of the supply; be troubled by not having enough.

The car ran out of gas three miles from town.

Millie never runs out of ideas for clever party decorations.

Compare: RUN SHORT.

2.  {informal}

To force to leave; expel.

Federal agents ran the spies out of the country.

Syn.: KICK OUT, RUN OFF.