"Runs into the ground" is an idiomatic expression that conveys the act of excessively or tirelessly using or working on something to the point of exhaustion, depletion, or weariness. This phrase can also be used metaphorically, describing the continuous execution of an activity or pursuit until it is no longer successful or productive.
In a literal sense, "runs into the ground" can refer to the act of operating a vehicle, such as a car or machinery, too harshly, causing it to break down or become inoperable due to overuse or neglect. This expression can also be used in the context of continually wearing down a physical object or resource through constant use or abuse, ultimately rendering it useless or ineffective.
On a figurative level, "runs into the ground" is often used to describe someone's exhaustive efforts to complete a task or accomplish a goal. It suggests that the person is continuously investing time, energy, or resources into a particular endeavor without achieving the desired outcome. This phrase implies that excessive repetition or overworking has led to a point where the activity no longer yields fruitful results, causing frustration, exhaustion, or even failure.
Overall, "runs into the ground" signifies the act of persistently or obsessively engaging in an activity, often at the expense of one's energy, resources, or effectiveness, until it becomes unproductive, ineffective, or burdensome.
