sputter out

sputter out (third-person singular simple present sputters out, present participle sputtering out, simple past and past participle sputtered out)

1. (intransitive, of an engine, motor, etc.) To emit a series of irregular, erratic popping or spitting sounds before shutting off.
2. (intransitive, informal) To die.
   • 1996, Mark Goldenberg, Mark Oliver Everett, “Novocaine for the Soul”, in Beautiful Freak, performed by Eels:

     You'd better give me something so I don't die / Novocaine for the soul / Before I sputter out.

• stall out