Crossword Genius

Runs out of water (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ebbs

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'runs' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to natural events as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ebbs that I've seen before include "flags" , "Goes out like tide" , "Wanes" , "Flows back - declines" , "Declines gradually" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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