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English Idioms on death are mainly used to describe a situation where it occurs. They describe the act of this ultimate truth that exists in the world. Somebody who has taken birth on earth will have to die one day. The idioms on death are presented in both serious and humorous ways. They are used to describe a situation in which words related to death fit in an idiom correctly. Additionally, these set phrases explain death in different ways. In this blog, we will discuss some of the idioms on death along with their meanings and examples.
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Must Read: Idioms in English – Best Idioms with Examples and Meanings
5+ Idioms on Death With Meaning and Examples
When we talk about idioms about death it feels like something serious, painful and dangerous. However, some of the idioms on it represent humour and light in nature. They also warn about the consequences of certain actions that should not be committed by people.
Breathe your last
The idiom is said for someone who is near death and about to take their last breath. They are the final stages of life which somebody lives before passing away. The idiom should be wisely used in the sentences so it should correctly represent its meaning.
Example: This is the place where he breathed his last.
Kick the bucket
The idiom “Kick the bucket” is used to express that someone has died. The word kick here shows a forceful movement. However, the origin of the idioms shows that someone has hanged themselves on the beam and kicked the bucket to die.
Example: The truth of life is that everyone has to kick the bucket someday.
Six Feet Under
The idiom “Six feet under” indicates that somebody has died and is buried in the ground. Six feet is the traditional depth up to which the digging of the graves is done. Moreover, the idiom should be wisely used as it represents a rude response to someone.
Example: The thought of going six feet under the ground doesn’t scare him now as he has lived his life to the fullest.
Dead as a doornail
The idiom means that something is completely dead and has no chance of getting back to its original form. Similarly, the comparisons are made when the nail is stuck in the door with the help of a hammer which will not be used further.
Example: You have not watered the plants for a week so they are dead as a doornail.
Pushing up Daisies
The “pushing-up daisies” idiom is used to show that something is dead. Daisies are the flowers that are found at the cemeteries. Overall, the idiom suggests that somebody has been buried after dying and now daisies will grow near it.
Example: The man who died last week must pushing up the daisies now.
Sleeping with the fishes
This idiom describes a situation where somebody dies by murder and now their dead body is disposed of in water. After the body is dumped in water it may be present near the fishes so the idiom is said that sleeping with the fishes.
Example: The new gang in town is killing people and sending them to sleep with the fish.
At Peace
The short expression is a polite way of saying that someone is dead. It describes a person who has died peacefully without any suffering.
Example: He is at peace now after suffering from a long illness.
A Matter of Life and Death
The idiom shows that something is very important and involves decisions that can have serious consequences. A very important thing that will decide whether someone will live or die. Additionally, an extreme situation where anything can happen.
Example: It is the last match of his career so it has become a matter of life and death.
Also Read: Top 10 Idioms for Help You Should Know!
5 Bonus Idioms on Death for You!
Idioms on death allow us to express it in several ways. Additionally, idioms make the language more interesting and humorous for the users. Let’s take a look at some of the idioms on death with meanings that clearly explain them.
Dig Your Own Grave
Doing something foolish that creates your downfall. It is to warn people to avoid making choices or taking actions that will lead to negative consequences for themselves.
Example: He is digging his own grave by complaining about others to the boss.
Brush With Death
The person has come very close to death but survived it. Sometimes in life, people escape from a situation that could lead to serious injuries or even death. It is important to avoid these situations and walk carefully when you sense danger.
Example: I have never brushed with death this close.
Go belly up
The idiom means to complete the end or failure of a thing. An organization that reaches a situation of bankruptcy.
Example: The company has gone belly up after its shares started to fall at a rapid rate.
Shuffle off this mortal coil
The idiom is a poetic way of saying to die found references from the Shakespeare play Hamlet. It means leaving all the burdens of life and dying peacefully.
Example: The old man’s children cannot wait for him to shuffle off this mortal coil so that they can get his inheritance.
Beyond the Veil
A mysterious place where spirits and souls live afterlife. The hidden place which is beyond our imagination.
Example: It is believed that communications with the spirits can exist beyond the veil.
Related Reads on Idioms and Proverbs
FAQs
Some of the idioms on Death are Kick the Bucket, Cash in Your Chips, baleful as Death, Gone to a Better Place, etc.
The synonyms of death are passing, demise, decease, grave, suicide, dissolution, fate, etc.
Some of the idioms on Death with meaning are Fading away which means to be awakening and very close to death. Food for worms is a slang which means someone dead. Another idiom which expresses informal context is Fall off the toilet which means to die unexpectedly.
This was all about the “Idioms on Death with meaning and examples”. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to English grammar and the English language.
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