Death Idioms

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lie in state

Meaning: Publicly display the body of a high-ranking figure after death.

Example: Thousands gathered at the Capitol to view the president's body as it lay in state. Read more ➺


the dead of night

Meaning: Refers to the quietest, darkest part of the night, usually around midnight or just after.

Example: He left the house in the dead of night to avoid being seen. Read more ➺


dead as a doornail

Meaning: Unquestionably lifeless; entirely devoid of life or function.​

Example: After the power outage, the old radio was dead as a doornail. Read more ➺


rest in power

Meaning: to express extreme respect and honor for a luminary who has passed away,

Example: After his tragic death, many supporters and activists gathered to say, 'Rest in power, our hero.' Read more ➺


beyond the veil

Meaning: refers to something hidden or inaccessible, often beyond understanding or perception.

Example: The true intentions of the politician remained beyond the veil of public scrutiny. Read more ➺


the die is cast

Meaning: implies a point of no return or irreversible change.

Example: When the army crossed the river into enemy territory, they knew the die was cast for the impending battle. Read more ➺


drop dead

Meaning: used to emphasize how charming something or someone is.

Example: Extremely gorgeous: "She walked into the room looking drop-dead gorgeous." Read more ➺


beat a dead horse

Meaning: spend time and effort on things that are hopeless and unchangeable.

Example: Tom still has hope that his wife will come back to him, but he is actually beating a dead horse. Read more ➺


pushing up daisies

Meaning: to be dead and buried.

Example: I'll be pushing up daisies by the time she replies to my proposal. Read more ➺


third degree

Meaning: an interrogation that frequently includes torture in an effort to find the truth or a confession.

Example: The detective put him through the third degree, but he wouldn't break. Read more ➺


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