En 15 secondes
- Used when supplies or resources are almost gone.
- Commonly paired with 'of' plus the noun.
- Applicable to time, money, and physical objects.
Signification
It means you are starting to run out of something or don't have enough left. It's that stressful moment when you realize your coffee, time, or money is almost gone.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6At a grocery store
We are running short of toilet paper, so we should grab a pack.
بدأ ورق المرحاض ينفد منا، لذا يجب أن نأخذ عبوة.
In a business meeting
We are running short of time, so let's move to the final agenda item.
وقتنا بدأ ينفد، لذا دعونا ننتقل إلى البند الأخير في جدول الأعمال.
Texting a friend about a party
The snacks are running short! Can you bring some chips?
المقبلات بدأت تنفد! هل يمكنك إحضار بعض الشيبس؟
Contexte culturel
In American consumer culture, 'running short' is often used in advertising to create a sense of 'FOMO' (Fear Of Missing Out). You will see signs saying 'Supplies are running short!' to encourage immediate purchases. British speakers often use 'running a bit short' as a polite understatement for being nearly broke. It is a way to avoid the social stigma of financial struggle. While the phrase is English, the concept of 'mottainai' (regret over waste) makes the situation of 'running short' particularly significant in Japan. It implies a failure to plan resources carefully. In international business English, 'running short of time' is the standard polite way to end a meeting or transition to a final topic without offending participants.
The 'Of' Rule
Always remember to use 'of' after 'run short' when naming the resource. 'Running short of time' sounds much more natural than 'Running short time'.
Not for Height
Never use this to describe a person's height. If you say 'He is running short,' people will think he is losing his money or his breath, not that he is small!
En 15 secondes
- Used when supplies or resources are almost gone.
- Commonly paired with 'of' plus the noun.
- Applicable to time, money, and physical objects.
What It Means
Run short describes the process of something becoming scarce. It is not about being physically short in height. It is about the supply of something dropping too low. Think of it as a warning light on a car dashboard. You still have some, but you are worried about the end.
How To Use It
You usually follow it with the word of. For example, we are running short of milk. You can also use it alone at the end of a sentence. If someone asks for a loan, you might say, Sorry, I'm running a bit short this month. It works perfectly with time, money, breath, or physical supplies.
When To Use It
Use it when you feel a sense of urgency. It is great for busy workdays when time is running short. Use it at home when checking the fridge before guests arrive. It sounds natural in professional meetings too. It shows you are being practical and observant about resources.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for people's heights. Saying a child is running short makes no sense in English. Also, avoid it for permanent states. If a store never carries an item, they aren't running short; they just don't have it. It implies a temporary situation where you usually have plenty.
Cultural Background
English speakers are often obsessed with efficiency and time management. This phrase reflects that cultural anxiety about scarcity. It likely comes from old maritime or supply chain language. Sailors would run short of fresh water or food on long voyages. Today, it’s mostly used for phone battery or cash.
Common Variations
You will often hear run low as a close cousin. Run out is the final stage when there is absolutely zero left. Short-handed is a variation used when a business doesn't have enough staff. If you want to be extra descriptive, you can say you are running dangerously short.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is highly versatile and works in almost any social setting. Just remember that 'running short' implies the process is happening right now, while 'short of' can describe a state of being.
The 'Of' Rule
Always remember to use 'of' after 'run short' when naming the resource. 'Running short of time' sounds much more natural than 'Running short time'.
Not for Height
Never use this to describe a person's height. If you say 'He is running short,' people will think he is losing his money or his breath, not that he is small!
Polite Refusals
You can use 'I'm running a bit short of time' as a very polite way to say 'no' to a request without being rude.
Exemples
6We are running short of toilet paper, so we should grab a pack.
بدأ ورق المرحاض ينفد منا، لذا يجب أن نأخذ عبوة.
Describes a physical household supply getting low.
We are running short of time, so let's move to the final agenda item.
وقتنا بدأ ينفد، لذا دعونا ننتقل إلى البند الأخير في جدول الأعمال.
A polite way to speed up a professional discussion.
The snacks are running short! Can you bring some chips?
المقبلات بدأت تنفد! هل يمكنك إحضار بعض الشيبس؟
Informal request for help with supplies.
My patience is running short with this slow internet.
صبري بدأ ينفد مع هذا الإنترنت البطيء.
Using the phrase for an abstract feeling like patience.
I'd love to go out, but I'm running a bit short on cash this week.
أود الخروج، لكن ميزانيتي محدودة قليلاً هذا الأسبوع.
A soft way to say you don't have much money.
The hikers realized they were running short of water in the heat.
أدرك المتنزهون أن الماء بدأ ينفد منهم في هذا الحر.
Shows a high-stakes situation involving survival.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the sentence.
We need to go to the bank because we are running ______ ______ cash.
'Short of' is the most standard collocation for this context.
Which sentence uses 'run short' correctly?
Select the natural-sounding sentence:
This correctly uses the phrase to describe temporal depletion.
Complete the dialogue between two coworkers.
A: Can you finish the report by 3 PM? B: I'll try, but I'm ______ ______ ______ ______ with all these meetings.
In the context of a deadline, 'time' is the most logical resource being depleted.
Match the 'run short' phrase to the situation.
Match 'Running short of breath' with the correct scenario:
Physical exertion causes you to run short of breath.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Run Short vs. Run Out
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWe need to go to the bank because we are running ______ ______ cash.
'Short of' is the most standard collocation for this context.
Select the natural-sounding sentence:
This correctly uses the phrase to describe temporal depletion.
A: Can you finish the report by 3 PM? B: I'll try, but I'm ______ ______ ______ ______ with all these meetings.
In the context of a deadline, 'time' is the most logical resource being depleted.
Match 'Running short of breath' with the correct scenario:
Physical exertion causes you to run short of breath.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'running short on' is very common in American English and is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but it's also fine in a business email or a report.
'Run short' usually implies a more urgent need than 'run low'. If you're running low, you have some time; if you're running short, you need to act soon.
No, we don't usually say 'we are running short of people.' Instead, use 'we are short-staffed' or 'short-handed'.
Yes, 'Time is running short' is a very common and idiomatic expression.
It is 'ran short' because 'run' is an irregular verb (run, ran, run).
Yes! This is a common metaphorical use for abstract feelings.
No, a 'short circuit' is an electrical problem. They are not related.
Yes, it is used throughout the English-speaking world, including the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.
It's better to say 'I fell short of my goal.' 'Run short' is for supplies; 'fall short' is for targets.
Expressions liées
run out of
similarTo have nothing left.
run low
synonymTo have a small amount remaining.
fall short
contrastTo fail to meet a goal.
short-changed
builds onTo be given less than you are owed.
in short supply
similarAvailable in small quantities.
