run on fumes

Verb

 * 1)  To operate a vehicle that is low on fuel.
 * We were running on fumes by the time we arrived, but we made it to the next gas station.
 * 1)  By extension, to operate with few resources, or be physically or emotionally overworked.
 * The organization had been running on fumes for months, so it's not surprising that they closed their doors.

Derived terms

 * fume date