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
NEW-LOOK OFFENSE 😤 The keys to the Knicks’ turnaround in the playoffs 🔑 | Get Up
NBA on ESPN · 3:32
then it feels like they sputter out.
Why Intelligent Life May Be Impossible Around Most Stars
Cool Worlds · 10:38
even the smallest and longest lived stars sputter out.