be short (of sth)B1to not have enough of something: to be short ofspace/timeWe're a bit short ofcoffee - I must get some more.The bill comes to £85, but we're £15 short.I'm a little short (= I do not have much money) this week - could you lend me ten dollars?Lacking thingsScarce, inadequate and not enoughEssential or necessaryScarce, inadequate and not enoughLacking thingsshort of breath›unable to breathe very well, for example because you have been running or doing some type of energeticexercise: She's always short of breath when she climbs the stairs.Breathing and stopping breathingbe in short supply›to be few or not enough in number: Computers are in rather short supply in this office.Scarce, inadequate and not enoughLacking thingsgo shortmainly UK›to not have something, especially when it is something you need in order to live: My parents didn't have much money, but they made sure we didn't go short (of anything).Lacking thingsScarce, inadequate and not enoughEssential or necessaryScarce, inadequate and not enoughLacking things
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