sputter out
Upper Intermediate (B2) neutral
To slowly stop working in a noisy, uneven way, like an engine that keeps cutting out
"The old motorbike sputtered out halfway up the hill and refused to start again."
Hear it in context
Why Intelligent Life May Be Impossible Around Most Stars
Cool Worlds · 10:38
even the smallest and longest lived stars sputter out.
NEW-LOOK OFFENSE 😤 The keys to the Knicks’ turnaround in the playoffs 🔑 | Get Up
NBA on ESPN · 3:30
Tibs gets his team to a certain point, then it feels like they sputter out.