run out of road

[Yuri Yoshikuni]

Dear teachers,

I heard on the news that, "Saab has run out of road." I imagine this means that Saab is doomed and that there are no means of relief. Can the expression be used in formal situations, or is it colloquial?

Thank you,

YY

[Tdol]

You're right about the meaning- they can't go forward. I wouldn't use it in anything very formal.

[billmcd]

Dear teachers,

I heard on the news that, "Saab has run out of road." I imagine this means that Saab is doomed and that there are no means of relief. Can the expression be used in formal situations, or is it colloquial?

Thank you,

YY

See Tdol's response, and in addition, the term "run out of road" is a rather facetious and direct reference to the fact that Saab manufactures vehicles that, of course, "run on the road".