lose steam

/lˈuːz stˈiːm/

[phrase]

to lose steam

[PHRASE]

to lose momentum, energy, or enthusiasm for something, especially a task or project

What is the origin of the idiom "lose steam" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "lose steam" is uncertain, but it likely comes from the idea of a steam engine losing power as the pressure in its boiler decreases. This phrase is often used in informal or casual language to describe situations where someone or something was once moving forward with energy and enthusiasm, but has since slowed down or come to a stop.

Examples

1. The company's marketing campaign started out strong, but it has been losing steam in recent weeks as interest from consumers has waned.

2. The writer started the book with a lot of momentum, but they have been losing steam as they struggle to develop the plot and characters.

3. Protests, the counter culture, and the liberation movements continued well into the early 1970s, losing steam with the end of the Vietnam war and America’s economy plunging into the toilet.

4. Um, I lost steam vlogging.

Nearby words