1.
to go over budget, to exceed the estimate, to run a deficit
Describes a situation where expenses exceed the planned budget or available funds.
Structure: 足 (foot/leg) + が + 出る (to come out). The image is of something sticking out beyond its proper bounds.
Related words
- 赤字になる (to go into the red, run a deficit) - more direct
- 予算オーバー (over budget) - loanword expression
- 出費がかさむ (expenses pile up)
Nuance: Often used for personal or small-scale finances, like household budgets, events, or projects. For large corporate deficits, 赤字 is more common.
Origin: The metaphor comes from the image of feet sticking out from under a short blanket - the covering (budget) isn't big enough.