Feeling tired is something we all experience from time to time, and finding the right words to express that fatigue can help you connect with others in a more empathetic and heartfelt way. Instead of just saying “I’m tired,” there are numerous idioms that offer a more colorful and emotionally resonant way to communicate that sentiment.
In this article, we’ll explore 30 idioms for tired, providing you with creative ways to convey the feeling of exhaustion while still sounding warm and thoughtful. Whether you’re at the end of a long day or just need to express the weight of mental or physical fatigue, these idioms will enrich your vocabulary and communication skills.
1. Bone-Weary
Meaning: Extremely tired to the point of feeling drained to the core.
In a sentence: After working nonstop for hours, I was bone-weary and just wanted to go to bed.
Best use: When you’ve been physically or mentally exhausted for an extended period.
Not use: To describe mild tiredness or fatigue.
Other ways to say: Totally wiped out, drained, exhausted.
2. Dead on One’s Feet
Meaning: Feeling extremely tired but still standing.
In a sentence: After a full day of meetings, I was dead on my feet, but I had to push through the final presentation.
Best use: After a long day or exhausting activity where you’re almost too tired to continue.
Not use: For light tiredness or short periods of fatigue.
Other ways to say: Worn out, fatigued, ready to collapse.
3. Running on Empty
Meaning: Being completely out of energy.
In a sentence: By the end of the week, I was running on empty and couldn’t wait for the weekend to recharge.
Best use: When you’ve exerted all your energy and have none left to give.
Not use: To describe minor tiredness or just feeling slightly drained.
Other ways to say: Depleted, burnt out, running low.
4. Out of Steam
Meaning: Losing all energy or motivation.
In a sentence: I was going strong at first, but I’m out of steam now and need a break.
Best use: After being very active and feeling a sudden loss of energy.
Not use: When you’re only a little tired or in need of a quick break.
Other ways to say: Flagging, drained, running low on energy.
5. Dragging One’s Heels
Meaning: Moving very slowly due to fatigue or lack of energy.
In a sentence: By the end of the day, I was dragging my heels and struggling to finish my work.
Best use: When fatigue is making it difficult to maintain your usual pace or focus.
Not use: When you are just feeling a bit tired but still working efficiently.
Other ways to say: Sluggish, moving at a snail’s pace, lagging.
6. Tuckered Out
Meaning: Extremely tired, often used in a lighthearted or casual way.
In a sentence: After playing outside all day, the kids were completely tuckered out.
Best use: To describe exhaustion after physical activity, especially in children or animals.
Not use: When you’re dealing with mental fatigue or stress.
Other ways to say: Worn out, exhausted, pooped.
7. Burned Out
Meaning: Exhausted, typically due to overworking or stress.
In a sentence: After weeks of constant deadlines, I feel completely burned out and need a vacation.
Best use: When you’re mentally and physically drained from long periods of hard work.
Not use: For mild tiredness after an average day.
Other ways to say: Overworked, exhausted, fatigued.
8. Running on Fumes
Meaning: Having very little energy left, similar to running on empty.
In a sentence: After the long road trip, I was running on fumes and struggling to stay awake.
Best use: When you’re nearing the end of your energy reserve.
Not use: When you’re just mildly tired or starting to get sleepy.
Other ways to say: Drained, wiped out, exhausted.
9. Knackered
Meaning: British slang for being utterly exhausted.
In a sentence: I’ve been working non-stop and I’m completely knackered now.
Best use: To express deep exhaustion, especially after a tiring physical activity.
Not use: To describe a little tiredness or just feeling mildly fatigued.
Other ways to say: Shattered, wiped out, spent.
10. Dead Beat
Meaning: Feeling completely drained or exhausted.
In a sentence: After a long day at work and then running errands, I was dead beat and couldn’t do anything else.
Best use: When you’re utterly exhausted and unable to do anything more.
Not use: To describe a small amount of fatigue.
Other ways to say: Exhausted, spent, wiped out.
11. Burning the Candle at Both Ends
Meaning: Working excessively hard or staying up late, leading to exhaustion.
In a sentence: I’ve been burning the candle at both ends this week and need to take a break.
Best use: When someone has overextended themselves, resulting in fatigue.
Not use: When you’re just a little tired.
Other ways to say: Overworking, running on little sleep, exhausted.
12. Like a Zombie
Meaning: Feeling like you are completely drained, often due to lack of sleep.
In a sentence: After pulling an all-nighter for the exam, I felt like a zombie the next day.
Best use: When you’re physically or mentally exhausted to the point of not functioning well.
Not use: When you’re slightly tired but still alert.
Other ways to say: Exhausted, drained, sleep-deprived.
13. Dead Tired
Meaning: Extremely tired, often used after long hours of work or activity.
In a sentence: By the time I got home from the gym, I was dead tired and went straight to bed.
Best use: When you feel physically spent after a long day.
Not use: For moments of minor fatigue.
Other ways to say: Worn out, completely exhausted, fatigued.
14. At the End of One’s Rope
Meaning: Feeling like you can’t take any more due to exhaustion.
In a sentence: I’ve been working overtime every day this week, and now I’m at the end of my rope.
Best use: When you’ve pushed yourself to the limit and have no energy left.
Not use: For minor tiredness or stress.
Other ways to say: Nearing burnout, worn out, completely drained.
15. Running on Low Battery
Meaning: When you’re feeling mentally or physically drained, as if your energy is almost depleted.
In a sentence: I’m running on low battery and need a break before I can continue.
Best use: When you are low on energy and need rest.
Not use: When you’re just feeling slightly tired.
Other ways to say: Running low, exhausted, drained.
16. Out Like a Light
Meaning: Falling asleep immediately due to extreme tiredness.
In a sentence: After such a hectic day, I was out like a light as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Best use: When you’re so tired you fall asleep instantly.
Not use: To describe being just a bit tired.
Other ways to say: Fast asleep, zonked out, knocked out.
17. Like a Weary Traveler
Meaning: Feeling worn out after a long journey or effort.
In a sentence: After spending all day traveling, I was like a weary traveler, longing for rest.
Best use: When you’ve been physically or mentally active for an extended period.
Not use: For light tiredness or a brief period of fatigue.
Other ways to say: Drained, fatigued, exhausted.
18. Worn to a Frazzle
Meaning: Feeling mentally and physically worn out.
In a sentence: After all the work and stress this week, I’m worn to a frazzle and need a break.
Best use: When you’re mentally and physically overworked.
Not use: To describe light fatigue.
Other ways to say: Shattered, exhausted, spent.
19. Spent
Meaning: Completely used up or exhausted.
In a sentence: After spending the whole weekend organizing the event, I was completely spent by Sunday night.
Best use: When you’re totally drained after exerting yourself for a period.
Not use: For minor tiredness or fatigue.
Other ways to say: Worn out, exhausted, wiped out.
20. Like a Battered Old Car
Meaning: Feeling physically and mentally run down or broken down.
In a sentence: After a week of intense work, I felt like a battered old car, in desperate need of rest.
Best use: When you’re feeling physically and emotionally worn out.
Not use: For mild tiredness or after a brief period of exhaustion.
Other ways to say: Depleted, exhausted, fatigued.
21. Like a Grumpy Old Man
Meaning: Feeling both physically and mentally exhausted, often leading to irritability.
In a sentence: After working through the weekend, I felt like a grumpy old man, snapping at everyone due to my exhaustion.
Best use: When tiredness causes mood changes and irritability.
Not use: For mild fatigue without mood changes.
Other ways to say: Cranky, irritable, exhausted.
22. Wiped Out
Meaning: Completely exhausted or drained.
In a sentence: After the marathon, I was completely wiped out and could barely move.
Best use: After a physically demanding event or long workday.
Not use: When you’re just a little tired.
Other ways to say: Shattered, drained, exhausted.
23. Out of Gas
Meaning: Having no energy left, similar to being running on empty.
In a sentence: I’ve been working nonstop, and now I’m completely out of gas.
Best use: When you’ve exerted all your energy and can’t continue.
Not use: For mild tiredness or lack of sleep.
Other ways to say: Depleted, wiped out, exhausted.
24. Bushed
Meaning: Extremely tired or fatigued.
In a sentence: After a long hike, we were all bushed and couldn’t wait to sit down.
Best use: After physical activity or exertion.
Not use: For mild tiredness or needing a quick break.
Other ways to say: Exhausted, worn out, tired.
25. Done for
Meaning: So tired or exhausted that you can’t continue.
In a sentence: I’ve been up for 24 hours and now I’m done for.
Best use: When you’re completely out of energy and can no longer keep going.
Not use: For light fatigue.
Other ways to say: Finished, wiped out, exhausted.
26. Shattered
Meaning: Feeling extremely tired, usually after a long or difficult task.
In a sentence: After the final exams, I was shattered and just wanted to relax.
Best use: When you feel utterly exhausted after a big task or challenge.
Not use: For a small amount of tiredness.
Other ways to say: Worn out, exhausted, drained.
27. Over the Hill
Meaning: Feeling past the point of peak energy or vitality, often due to age or prolonged exertion.
In a sentence: After years of hard work, I feel over the hill and like I need to slow down.
Best use: When you feel like you’ve hit a point where you can no longer keep up the same pace.
Not use: For typical tiredness after a normal day’s work.
Other ways to say: Aging, past your prime, worn out.
28. Bled Dry
Meaning: Feeling completely drained or depleted of energy.
In a sentence: The constant meetings and travel schedule has bled me dry, and I need some time to recover.
Best use: When you’ve been overworked or stressed for an extended period.
Not use: For minor tiredness or after a short day.
Other ways to say: Drained, depleted, exhausted.
29. Fagged Out
Meaning: Extremely tired, often used in British English.
In a sentence: After the long shift at work, I was completely fagged out.
Best use: After physical or mental exhaustion, especially after a long workday.
Not use: When you’re just feeling a little tired.
Other ways to say: Worn out, tired, exhausted.
30. Beat
Meaning: Feeling extremely tired or exhausted.
In a sentence: After the long run, I was beat and could barely stand up.
Best use: When you’re exhausted after physical or mental activity.
Not use: For mild tiredness.
Other ways to say: Tired, wiped out, exhausted.
FAQs
- What are some idioms for expressing mental exhaustion? Idioms like “burned out,” “running on fumes,” and “at the end of one’s rope” can convey mental exhaustion effectively.
- Can these idioms be used for both physical and emotional fatigue? Yes, many of these idioms, like “bone-weary” and “dead on one’s feet,” can be used for both physical and emotional fatigue, depending on the context.
- Are these idioms suitable for professional settings? While some of these idioms, like “running on empty” or “burned out,” might be used in professional settings, it’s important to gauge the tone and appropriateness based on the environment.
- How do I choose the best idiom for my situation? Consider the level of exhaustion you’re feeling. For mild tiredness, opt for phrases like “tuckered out” or “dragging your heels,” while “burned out” and “bone-weary” are better for more extreme fatigue.
- Can idioms for tiredness be used in writing? Absolutely! These idioms can make your writing more vivid and relatable, but be sure to choose the ones that match the tone and mood you want to convey.
Conclusion
Expressing tiredness with the right idioms not only helps you communicate your feelings more effectively, but it also adds a personal and emotional touch to your conversations.
Whether you’re bone-weary after a long day or running on empty after a stressful week, using these 30 idioms for tired will help you convey your exhaustion in ways that resonate with others. Remember, language is powerful—choosing the right words to express your feelings can foster understanding and connection.
