Run Out Of Patience - Idiom Of The Day For IELTS Speaking

When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, using idiomatic expressions naturally and correctly can boost your score, particularly in the Lexical Resource criterion. Today’s idiom, "Run Out of Patience," is a useful expression to learn and apply when talking about frustration, anger, or moments when someone reaches their limit.

Meaning of 'Run Out of Patience'

Definition:
To begin feeling annoyed or frustrated after waiting or tolerating a situation for some time.

In simpler terms, when someone “runs out of patience,” it means they can no longer tolerate a situation calmly and may show their irritation.

Origin of the Idiom 'Run Out of Patience'

This idiom comes from the idea of patience being a limited resource. Once it is “used up,” a person can no longer endure or stay calm. The phrase has been commonly used in English for several decades, appearing in both spoken language and literature to describe moments of frustration or anger.

Usage of 'Run Out of Patience' in Context

Here are some example sentences showing how the idiom is used in IELTS Speaking:

• “Don’t yell at me like that. I almost run out of patience with you.”
• “He finally ran out of patience with the guys and lost his temper.”
• “The boss is finally running out of patience with me.”

When to Use the Idiom 'Run Out of Patience'

You can use “run out of patience” in IELTS Speaking Part 1 or IELTS Speaking Part 2 or IELTS Speaking Part 3, when you’re:

• Describing situations where you felt frustrated or annoyed.
• Talking about challenges or difficulties you faced.
• Narrating personal experiences where someone or something tested your patience.

Sample Answer Using the Idiom 'Run Out of Patience'

IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Describe a time when you felt very angry:

"One time, my younger siblings were making a lot of noise while I was preparing for an important online exam. I tried to stay calm, but after several warnings, I finally ran out of patience. I asked them to leave the room and explained that I needed quiet to concentrate. I was angry because I had been very patient initially, but their continuous disturbance left me with no choice but to act."

Common Mistakes to Avoid while Using 'Run Out of Patience'

• Don’t confuse it with “losing interest” — this idiom is about irritation, not boredom.
• Make sure the context involves tolerance being tested; it doesn’t fit casual or happy scenarios.
• Use the correct tense based on the situation (e.g., “ran out of patience” for past events).

IELTS Vocabulary Tip for 'Run Out of Patience'

Using idioms like “run out of patience” in your IELTS Speaking answers demonstrates natural and expressive language. It’s especially effective when describing emotions, challenges, or personal experiences. Just ensure it fits the context and flows naturally in your response.

Exercise: 'Run Out of Patience'

Multiple-Choice Question:
Q1: Choose the correct meaning of “run out of patience” in the sentence:
“I’m running out of patience with these naughty children.”

A. Losing sleep over it
B. Going out like a light
C. Running out of patience
D. Having eggs on my face

Correct Answer: C. Running out of patience

Fill-in-the-Blank:
Q2: “After waiting for the bus for an hour in the scorching heat, I ___________.”

A. Ran out of patience
B. Went out like a light
C. Faced the music
D. Called it a day

Correct Answer: A. Ran out of patience

To summarize, “run out of patience” is a versatile idiom that can make your IELTS Speaking answers sound more authentic and expressive. Whether you’re describing moments of frustration, annoyance, or testing your tolerance, this idiom can help you stand out. Use it naturally in your answers to showcase your language skills. If you're aiming for top scores, follow the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ to further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance.

Also Check: 

• 21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors
• 10 Useful IELTS Speaking Tips to Impress the Examiner
• Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score Band 8.0+