50 Amazing Tired Idioms You Never Knew Existed!

Learning idioms for tired can make your English sound more natural and help you express fatigue in creative ways. Whether you’re exhausted from work, school, or life in general, these colorful expressions will give you dozens of alternatives to the boring old “I’m tired.”

Research Shows Idioms Matter More Than You Think

Recent studies reveal fascinating insights about how we learn and use idioms. Research by Sprenger et al. found that idiom knowledge increases steadily through adulthood, with people continuing to learn new expressions well into their 50s and 60s1. This means you’re never too old to master these tired idioms!

Key Research Findings:

Age Group	Idiom Knowledge Level	Learning Pattern
Young Adults (18-30)	Moderate, More Variable	Frequency-dependent learning
Middle-aged (30-55)	High, Steady increase	Peak learning period
Older Adults (55+)	Highest, Most stable	Established knowledge base

Studies also show that younger speakers use idioms less frequently than older generations, possibly due to increased internet usage and changing communication patterns2. This makes learning traditional idioms even more valuable for standing out in your speech and writing.

“Every good writer has much idiom; it is the life and spirit of language.” – Walter Savage Landor3

Pro Tip: The best way to remember these idioms is to use them in context. Don’t just memorize definitions – practice using them in real conversations!

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1. Dog-Tired

This classic idiom means you’re extremely exhausted, like a dog after a long day of running around. It’s one of the most popular tired expressions in English4.

Example: “After working two shifts back-to-back, I’m absolutely dog-tired.”

The phrase likely comes from the idea that working dogs put in long, hard days and collapse from exhaustion. It’s been used in English for centuries and remains super common today.

2. Dead on Your Feet

When you’re so tired you can barely stand but you’re still moving around, you’re dead on your feet5. This idiom perfectly captures that zombie-like feeling when exhaustion hits hard.

Example: “The nurse was dead on her feet after a 12-hour shift.”

This expression emphasizes the contrast between being upright and functional while feeling completely drained inside.

3. Worn Out

Worn out suggests you’ve been used up, like an old pair of shoes that’s lost its sole5. It implies that activity or stress has gradually depleted your energy reserves.

Example: “Mom looked worn out after chasing the toddlers all day.”

This idiom works great for both physical and emotional exhaustion. You can be worn out from exercise or worn out from dealing with difficult people.

4. Beat

Simply saying “I’m beat” is a casual, friendly way to express tiredness6. It comes from the idea of being beaten down by the day’s activities.

Example: “Sorry I can’t hang out tonight – I’m totally beat.”

This short, punchy expression is perfect for informal conversations with friends and family. It’s got that laid-back vibe that makes it super versatile.

5. Dead Tired

Dead tired cranks up the intensity – you’re not just tired, you’re completely wiped out4. The word “dead” emphasizes the complete absence of energy.

Example: “We were dead tired after hiking 15 miles through the mountains.”

This idiom works especially well after intense physical activities like sports, exercise, or manual labor.

6. Ready to Drop

When you’re ready to drop, you’re so exhausted you feel like you might literally collapse4. Your body is giving you serious signals that it needs rest right now.

Example: “By mile 20 of the marathon, runners were ready to drop.”

This expression captures that moment when your body starts shutting down from pure exhaustion.

7. Burned Out

Burned out specifically refers to exhaustion from working too hard for too long5. It’s not just physical tiredness – it’s mental and emotional depletion too.

Example: “The teacher felt burned out after grading papers until midnight every night.”

This idiom has become incredibly relevant in today’s overworked culture. Burnout is a real psychological condition recognized by health experts.

8. Bushed

Bushed is another casual way to say you’re very tired4. It might come from the idea of being lost in the bush (wilderness) and worn out from trying to find your way.

Example: “I’m completely bushed after moving furniture all weekend.”

This friendly expression works well in both American and British English, though it’s slightly more common in American usage.

9. Drained

When you’re drained, it’s like someone pulled the plug and let all your energy flow out5. This idiom perfectly captures the feeling of being emptied of strength.

Example: “Dealing with that difficult customer left me feeling completely drained.”

“Drained” works especially well for describing emotional exhaustion, not just physical tiredness.

10. Exhausted

Exhausted is the formal cousin of “tired”6. While not technically an idiom, it’s such a strong, clear way to express complete fatigue that it deserves mention.

Example: “The rescue workers were exhausted after searching for survivors all night.”

This word carries more weight than “tired” and is appropriate in both casual and professional contexts.

11. Pooped

Pooped is a playful, slightly childish way to say you’re tired5. Despite sounding funny, it’s a legitimate expression that adults use too.

Example: “The kids were completely pooped after a day at the amusement park.”

This gentle idiom works great with children or in light-hearted conversations where you want to keep things fun.

12. Bone-Tired

Bone-tired means the exhaustion goes deep into your bones4. It’s not surface-level tiredness – it’s fatigue that’s settled into your very core.

Example: “After working construction for 10 hours, he was bone-tired.”

This expression emphasizes how physical labor or intense activity can make tiredness feel like it’s in your bones.

13. Spent

When you’re spent, you’ve used up all your energy reserves5. Like spending all your money, you’ve spent all your physical and mental resources.

Example: “The marathon runner was completely spent as she crossed the finish line.”

This idiom suggests you’ve given everything you had to give and now you’re running on empty.

14. Ready to Crash

Ready to crash means you’re about to collapse from tiredness4. It captures that moment when your body demands immediate rest.

Example: “After studying for finals all week, I’m ready to crash.”

This expression often implies you’re going to sleep soon and probably sleep deeply.

15. Fatigued

Fatigued is the medical-sounding version of tired5. It’s more formal but carries the weight of serious, prolonged exhaustion.

Example: “The doctor was fatigued after performing surgery for six hours straight.”

This word is often used in medical or professional contexts where “tired” might sound too casual.

16. Knocked Out

Knocked out suggests tiredness hit you like a punch4. You’re not gradually getting tired – exhaustion knocked you down hard and fast.

Example: “The flu knocked me out for three days straight.”

This idiom works well when tiredness comes suddenly or is caused by illness.

17. Out of Steam

Out of steam comes from old steam engines that stopped running when they ran out of steam power4. When you’re out of steam, your energy engine has shut down.

Example: “I started the project with enthusiasm, but I’m running out of steam.”

This expression works great for describing diminishing energy over time, not just sudden exhaustion.

18. Running on Empty

Running on empty means you’re trying to function without any energy left in the tank7. Like a car with no gas, you’re somehow still moving but barely.

Example: “I’ve been running on empty since my second cup of coffee wore off.”

This idiom perfectly captures that feeling of pushing through when you should probably rest.

19. Wiped

Wiped suggests all your energy has been wiped away4. It’s a clean, complete removal of your stamina and strength.

Example: “That workout totally wiped me out.”

This casual expression is perfect for describing exhaustion after physical activity or intense mental work.

20. All In

All in means you’ve given everything you have and now you’re completely spent4. This British expression suggests total commitment that left you exhausted.

Example: “After the big presentation, the team was all in.”

This idiom implies you put your full effort into something, which naturally led to complete tiredness.

21. Hit the Hay

Hit the hay means you’re going to bed because you’re tired6. “Hay” refers to the straw mattresses people used to sleep on in the past.

Example: “It’s been a long day – I’m going to hit the hay.”

This friendly idiom is perfect for announcing your bedtime plans in a casual, colorful way.

22. Hit the Sack

Hit the sack is similar to “hit the hay” – you’re heading to bed6. “Sack” refers to the cloth bags filled with straw that served as mattresses.

Example: “I can barely keep my eyes open – time to hit the sack.”

Both “hit the hay” and “hit the sack” are equally popular ways to say you’re going to sleep.

23. Sleepy

While sleepy isn’t technically an idiom, it specifically means you want to sleep rather than just feeling tired6. It’s more precise than general tiredness.

Example: “I always feel sleepy after a big lunch.”

This word is perfect when drowsiness is your main symptom rather than physical exhaustion.

24. Drowsy

Drowsy describes that in-between state where you’re not fully awake but not asleep either5. You’re fighting to stay alert but losing the battle.

Example: “The warm classroom made everyone drowsy during the lecture.”

This word captures that specific heavy-eyed feeling that often comes before falling asleep.

25. Sluggish

Sluggish means you’re moving slowly because tiredness is weighing you down4. Like a slug, you’re functioning but at a much slower pace.

Example: “I feel sluggish on Monday mornings until I have my coffee.”

This idiom emphasizes the physical effects of tiredness on your movement and reaction time.

26. Dragging

When you’re dragging, you’re moving slowly and reluctantly because you’re so tired7. It’s like your feet are too heavy to lift properly.

Example: “I was dragging myself around the office all afternoon.”

This expression perfectly captures that heavy, sluggish feeling when exhaustion affects your movement.

27. Barely Awake

Barely awake describes that state where you’re technically conscious but just barely4. You’re teetering on the edge between being awake and asleep.

Example: “After the red-eye flight, I was barely awake during the meeting.”

This phrase works great for describing the aftermath of poor sleep or staying up too late.

28. Out Cold

Out cold means you’re sleeping so deeply that nothing can wake you up4. You’re not just tired – you’re completely unconscious from exhaustion.

Example: “After the camping trip, he was out cold for 12 hours straight.”

This idiom suggests the kind of deep, restorative sleep that comes after extreme tiredness.

29. Can’t Keep My Eyes Open

Can’t keep my eyes open is a literal description of extreme drowsiness4. Your eyelids feel so heavy that keeping them open requires serious effort.

Example: “I can’t keep my eyes open during this boring documentary.”

This expression is perfect for describing that fight against falling asleep when you need to stay awake.

30. Dying for Sleep

Dying for sleep dramatically expresses how desperately you need rest4. You’re not literally dying, but you need sleep as urgently as you’d need water in a desert.

Example: “After working three double shifts, I’m dying for sleep.”

This hyperbolic expression emphasizes the intensity of your need for rest.

31. Knackered

Knackered is British slang for being extremely tired4. In the UK, this word is as common as “exhausted” is in American English.

Example: “I’m absolutely knackered after moving house all weekend.”

If you want to sound British or add international flavor to your English, this is a great idiom to learn.

32. Shattered

Shattered suggests tiredness has broken you into pieces8. Like broken glass, you feel fragmented and need time to pull yourself back together.

Example: “The final exams left me completely shattered.”

This dramatic expression works well for describing exhaustion that affects every part of your being.

33. Done In

Done in means you’re finished, completed, used up8. There’s nothing left in your energy tank – you’re thoroughly done.

Example: “That marathon really did me in – I need a week to recover.”

This idiom suggests a definitive end to your energy reserves rather than gradual depletion.

34. Flat Out

Flat out can mean extremely busy or extremely tired4. In the tiredness context, it suggests you’re lying flat because you can’t stand up anymore.

Example: “I’ve been working flat out all week and I’m exhausted.”

This versatile expression works for both describing intense work and the resulting exhaustion.

35. Zonked

Zonked is a playful way to say you’re extremely tired or fast asleep. It sounds fun even though it describes serious exhaustion.

Example: “The kids were zonked after swimming all day at the beach.”

This casual idiom adds a light-hearted tone to descriptions of tiredness.

36. Feeling Like a Zombie

Feeling like a zombie means you’re so tired you’re moving through life without really being present7. You’re functioning but not really living.

Example: “Without my morning coffee, I feel like a zombie until noon.”

This modern idiom perfectly captures that mindless, automatic state that comes with severe tiredness.

37. Ready for Bed

Ready for bed is a gentle, indirect way to say you’re tired and want to sleep6. It’s less dramatic than many other tired idioms.

Example: “After the long meeting, I’m ready for bed even though it’s only 7 PM.”

This polite expression works well in any situation where you want to announce your tiredness tactfully.

38. Worn to a Frazzle

Worn to a frazzle means you’re so exhausted you’re falling apart at the edges7. Like a frayed rope, you’re coming undone from tiredness and stress.

Example: “Managing three kids and a full-time job has worn her to a frazzle.”

This vivid idiom works especially well for describing exhaustion that builds up over time.

39. Drop-Dead Tired

Drop-dead tired intensifies regular tiredness with dramatic flair. You’re so tired you could theoretically drop dead from exhaustion.

Example: “After the 18-hour drive, we were drop-dead tired.”

This expression adds emphasis when regular “tired” doesn’t seem strong enough.

40. Tuckered Out

Tuckered out is an old-fashioned American expression meaning completely exhausted. It has a charming, folksy quality that makes it endearing.

Example: “The children were all tuckered out after their day at the farm.”

This gentle idiom works especially well with children or in family contexts.

41. Feeling Heavy-Eyed

Feeling heavy-eyed describes the physical sensation when your eyelids feel weighted down by tiredness4. It’s a specific, relatable symptom of sleepiness.

Example: “I’m feeling heavy-eyed – must be time for bed.”

This expression focuses on the eye-related symptoms of tiredness rather than general exhaustion.

42. Running on Fumes

Running on fumes means you’re operating on the last tiny bit of energy you have left. Like a car running on gas fumes, you’re about to stop completely.

Example: “I’ve been running on fumes since lunch – I need a break.”

This idiom perfectly describes pushing through when you should probably rest.

43. Drained Dry

Drained dry suggests every drop of energy has been squeezed out of you. You’re not just low on energy – you’re completely empty.

Example: “That difficult conversation drained me dry.”

This expression emphasizes the complete absence of energy rather than just feeling low.

44. Weary

Weary is an old-fashioned word that means tired from long effort or endurance5. It has a poetic quality that makes it feel more substantial than “tired.”

Example: “The weary traveler finally reached the inn.”

This formal word works well in writing or when you want to sound more sophisticated.

45. Barely Functioning

Barely functioning means you’re operating at the minimum level necessary to get by. You’re awake and moving, but that’s about it.

Example: “After the all-nighter, I was barely functioning the next day.”

This expression emphasizes how tiredness affects your ability to perform normal tasks.

46. Dead Beat

Dead beat combines “dead” (completely) with “beat” (tired) for extra emphasis. You’re not just beat – you’re dead beat.

Example: “After the construction work, the crew was dead beat.”

This doubled-up expression adds intensity when simple “beat” isn’t strong enough.

47. Flagging

Flagging means your energy is dropping like a flag in still air8. You started strong, but now you’re losing momentum and drooping.

Example: “My attention started flagging during the three-hour lecture.”

This idiom works well for describing energy that decreases gradually over time.

48. Shot

When you’re shot, you’re finished, done for, completely used up. Like ammunition that’s been fired, you’ve been spent and need to be reloaded.

Example: “After chasing toddlers all day, I’m absolutely shot.”

This short, punchy expression gets the point across with minimal words.

49. Cooked

Cooked means you’re done, finished, unable to continue8. Like food that’s been cooked thoroughly, you’ve been processed by tiredness until you’re ready.

Example: “That final sprint up the hill left me completely cooked.”

This casual idiom works well in sports contexts or after physical challenges.

50. Toast

Toast suggests you’re brown, crispy, and done – just like bread that’s been toasted. You’ve been heated by activity until you’re thoroughly finished.

Example: “After the double shift at the restaurant, I’m toast.”

This playful expression adds humor to descriptions of serious exhaustion.

Pro Tip: Mix and match these idioms to keep your English interesting. Don’t just stick to one favorite – variety makes your speech more engaging and natural!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these tired idioms appropriate for formal writing?
A: Some are more formal than others. “Exhausted,” “fatigued,” and “weary” work well in formal contexts, while “pooped,” “zonked,” and “toast” are best saved for casual conversations.

Q: Do British and American speakers use different tired idioms?
A: Yes! British speakers commonly use “knackered,” “shattered,” and “all in,” while Americans prefer “beat,” “bushed,” and “tuckered out.” However, most idioms are understood across both dialects.

Q: How can I remember all these different expressions?
A: Focus on learning 5-10 that you really like first. Practice using them in real situations. Once they become natural, gradually add more to your vocabulary.

Q: Can I use multiple tired idioms in the same conversation?
A: Yes, but don’t overdo it. Using 2-3 different expressions can show your vocabulary range, but using too many might sound unnatural or show-offy.

Q: Are younger people really using fewer idioms than older generations?
A: Research suggests yes2. Younger speakers tend to use more internet slang and fewer traditional idioms. This makes learning classic expressions even more valuable for standing out.

The Power of Colorful Language

Mastering idioms for tired does more than expand your vocabulary – it connects you to the rich history and culture of English. Each expression carries stories, emotions, and imagery that simple words like “tired” can’t match.

These idioms also reveal something fascinating about human nature: we have dozens of ways to describe tiredness because it’s such a universal experience. Whether you’re dog-tired from work, running on empty from a busy schedule, or ready to hit the hay after a long day, there’s an idiom that perfectly captures your specific type of exhaustion.

Remember, language is alive and constantly evolving. While research shows that traditional idiom usage might be declining among younger speakers, that just means you have an opportunity to stand out. Using these colorful expressions thoughtfully can make your English more engaging, memorable, and authentically fluent.

The next time you’re tempted to just say “I’m tired,” reach for one of these 50 alternatives instead. Your listeners will appreciate the vivid imagery, and you’ll discover that the right idiom can express exactly how you feel in ways that plain words simply can’t match.