sputter out
verb1
Usually, Of an engine To emit a series of irregular, erratic popping or spitting sounds before shutting off.
2
Informal To die.
- You'd better give me something so I don't die / Novocaine for the soul / Before I sputter out.1996, Mark Goldenberg, Mark Oliver Everett, “Novocaine for the Soul”, in Beautiful Freak, performed by Eels:
- Synonyms
- stall out