The idiom "bite the dust" is believed to have originated from the Old West during the 19th century, particularly in reference to gunfights and battles. It evokes the image of someone falling to the ground, often in death, and literally biting the dust of the earth as a result of a gunshot wound or some other lethal force. Over time, the expression has evolved to signify someone's demise or defeat in a broader sense, not limited to gunfights.

What is the origin of the idiom "bite the dust" and when to use it?

to [bite] the dust

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The idiom "kick the bucket" has uncertain origins, but it likely dates back to the 16th century and may be related to the idea of someone standing on a bucket with a noose around their neck in preparation for hanging. The action of kicking the bucket out from under oneself would lead to death by hanging. Over time, the expression evolved to signify the act of dying more generally, often in a humorous or colloquial manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "kick the bucket" and when to use it?

to [kick] the bucket

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The idiom "dead as a dodo" is inspired by the dodo, a flightless bird that lived on the island of Mauritius but became extinct in the late 17th century due to human activities and the introduction of non-native species. The expression is used to signify something that is not just deceased but entirely and irrevocably extinct or obsolete, much like the dodo bird itself.

What is the origin of the idiom "dead as a dodo" and when to use it?

(as|) dead as a dodo

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The idiom "dead as a doornail" has uncertain origins but has been in use since at least the 14th century. This phrase was likely popularized by Charles Dickens in "A Christmas Carol." It is now used to imply that something is commonly used to describe something that is completely lifeless or inanimate, with no possibility of revival or recovery. It is often applied to objects, ideas, or situations rather than living creatures.

What is the origin of the idiom "dead as a doornail" and when to use it?

(as|) dead as a (doornail|herring)

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The idiom "dead as mutton" is believed to have originated in the 19th century, and it is a reference to the fact that mutton, which is the meat of an older sheep, becomes tough and less flavorful after it has been slaughtered. This expression is used to imply that it is unquestionably lifeless or inanimate, with no chance of revival or recovery, just like the meat from a sheep that has been killed.

What is the origin of the idiom "dead as mutton" and when to use it?

(as|) dead as mutton

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The idiom "buy the farm" is believed to have originated during or after World War II, particularly among U.S. military personnel. The phrase refers to the death of a soldier during combat, where the soldier's life insurance policy would pay out to his beneficiaries, enabling them to "buy the farm" with the insurance money. Over time, the expression evolved and is now used more broadly to describe someone's death, often in a casual or euphemistic manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "buy the farm" and when to use it?

to [buy] the farm

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The idiom "die in harness" has its origins in the work of horses or draft animals that would continue to pull a load until they died while still in their harnesses. Over time, the phrase evolved to describe someone who continues to work tirelessly or remains dedicated to their job or responsibilities until the very end, even in old age. It emphasizes the idea of a strong work ethic and commitment to one's duties.

What is the origin of the idiom "die in harness" and when to use it?

to [die] in harness

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The idiom "give up the ghost" can be traced back to the Bible, particularly in the King James Version of the New Testament, where it is used in the Book of Matthew to describe the moment of death. It means to cease living or functioning.

What is the origin of the idiom "give up the ghost" and when to use it?

to [give] up the ghost

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The idiom "one foot in the grave" has uncertain origins, but it is commonly believed to have evolved from the imagery of a person who is so close to death that they have one foot already in the grave, indicating their imminent demise. The phrase has been used in this figurative sense for centuries to describe the elderly or those in poor health who are nearing the end of their lives.

What is the origin of the idiom "one foot in the grave" and when to use it?

one foot in the grave

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The idiom "lay someone to rest" originates from the practice of conducting funeral or burial ceremonies. It is a phrase used to describe the act of giving a deceased person a proper and respectful burial, ensuring that their remains are placed in their final resting place. This expression reflects the tradition of providing a dignified and peaceful closure for the departed.

What is the origin of the idiom "lay someone to rest" and when to use it?

to [lay] {sb} to rest

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The idiom "meet one's Maker" has its roots in religious and spiritual beliefs, particularly in the context of Christianity. It suggests that when a person dies, they will encounter their Creator or God. The expression is used to emphasize the moment of death and the transition from earthly life to an afterlife or spiritual realm, making it a euphemistic way to refer to someone's passing.

What is the origin of the idiom "meet one's Maker" and when to use it?

to [meet] {one's} Maker

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The origin of the idiom "put one's affairs in order" is rooted in the practical aspect of preparing for one's death or a major life change.This expression is commonly used to indicate that someone is taking steps to address their responsibilities, often in anticipation of their death or a significant transition in life.

What is the origin of the idiom "put one's affairs in order" and when to use it?

to [put] {one's} affairs in order

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The origin of the idiom "get one's ticket punched" is not clearly documented, but it likely evolved from the idea of receiving a metaphorical ticket for one's journey into the afterlife, much like acquiring an actual ticket for travel. It is used to emphasize the idea of someone passing away, as if they have reached the end of their journey in life.

What is the origin of the idiom "get one's ticket punched" and when to use it?

get {one's} ticket punched

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The origin of the idiom "be done for" is not precisely documented, but it is considered a colloquial expression that has likely been in use for centuries, particularly in informal and spoken language. It is used to convey a sense of inevitable trouble or failure in a straightforward and easily understandable manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "be done for" and when to use it?

to [be] done for

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The idiom "at death's door" is a figurative expression originating from the idea that someone who is severely ill or injured is so close to death that they are metaphorically standing at the threshold or door of the afterlife. It is used to describe individuals who are in an extremely critical or life-threatening condition, often suggesting that their chances of recovery are minimal.

What is the origin of the idiom "at death's door" and when to use it?

at death's door

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The idiom "live on borrowed time" has its origins in the notion of someone whose life has been extended or prolonged beyond what was expected, typically due to luck or some external factor. It implies that the person is living beyond their allotted or expected time, as if they've borrowed extra time beyond their natural lifespan. This expression is often used to describe individuals who have survived a life-threatening situation or a serious illness.

What is the origin of the idiom "live on borrowed time" and when to use it?

to [live] on borrowed time

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The idiom "drop like flies" is indeed related to death, particularly signifying a high rate of casualties or deaths. It originates from the association of flies with unsanitary conditions and the rapidity with which they die in such environments.

What is the origin of the idiom "drop like flies" and when to use it?

to [drop|fall|die] like flies

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The idiom "cash in one's chips" originates from the world of gambling, particularly in casinos. In a casino, players use chips as a form of currency. "Cashing in one's chips" means exchanging your gambling chips for money or leaving the game, often after experiencing losses. Over time, the expression has evolved to refer to someone's death, suggesting that they have reached the end of their life and are departing from this world.

What is the origin of the idiom "cash in one's chips" and when to use it?

to [cash] in {one's} chips

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The idiom "pop one's clogs" is of British origin and is derived from the slang term "clogs," which refers to the wooden-soled shoes commonly worn by workers in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in industrial regions of England. When someone would die, their clogs were no longer needed, so they were said to "pop" or "drop" their clogs, signifying their passing. This idiom is used humorously or informally to describe someone's death.

What is the origin of the idiom "pop one's clogs" and when to use it?

to [pop] {one's} clogs

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The idiom "pushing up daisies" is used to describe someone who is deceased or buried. The phrase likely originates from the idea that when a person is buried in a cemetery, they are beneath the ground, pushing the soil upward as if they were helping to grow the daisies or other flowers on the grave. This expression is often used humorously or casually.

What is the origin of the idiom "pushing up daisies" and when to use it?

to [be] pushing up (the|) daisies

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Explore English idioms that relate to death, including "bite the dust" and "one foot in the grave".

English Idioms for "Death"