at death’s door: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘at death's door’ mean?
The idiom "at death's door" means to be very ill or close to dying.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on one's deathbed" refers to someone being in the final stages of their life, typically when they are fatally ill or dying. It implies that the person is very close to death, often used to emphasize the seriousness or urgency of a situation.
The idiom "knock on heaven's door" means to be near or at death's door, to be in a critical or life-threatening condition.
The idiom "knock on heaven's door" is a commonly used phrase in English. It refers to someone who is nearing death, using the metaphor of approaching the door to heaven and entering the afterlife. Derived from Christian beliefs, heaven is seen as a celestial dwelling place for the souls of the righteous.
The idiom "end of the world" is used to describe a situation or event that feels extremely dire, catastrophic, or devastating.
The idiom "dying quail" refers to something that is weak, feeble, or lacking vitality, often used to describe a failed or weak attempt at something.
The idiom "draw one's last breath" means to die or to take one's final breath before passing away.
The idiom "down at heel" refers to a person who is in a poor or shabby condition, usually due to lack of money or neglect. It suggests a decline in social or financial status.
The idiom "down and out" refers to someone who is in a hopeless or desperate situation, often financially or emotionally. It describes someone who has hit rock bottom and is struggling to recover.
The idiom "do-or-die" means that a situation requires full commitment and determination. It suggests that failure is not an option and that one must give their utmost effort to succeed.
The idiom "to die" means to cease living, to expire, or to perish. It is often used figuratively to express a strong feeling or desire, such as "to die laughing" or "to die for." This idiom is commonly used in English literature and everyday conversations.
The idiom "die" is a common expression used in various contexts. It has multiple meanings and uses, contributing to its versatility and prevalence in the English language.
The idiom *death knell* refers to a sign or event that signals the end or downfall of something, often used to describe the final blow for a particular idea, plan, or institution.
Lingering on Life's Edge
The idiom "at death's door" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is used to describe someone who is extremely ill or close to dying. The phrase itself is quite straightforward and does not require any additional interpretation. It is meant to convey the dire state of someone's health and their proximity to the end of their life.
The human fascination with mortality and the fragility of life is reflected in the idiom "at death's door". It serves as a reminder of our own mortality and the transient nature of existence. This idiom is often used as a metaphor to describe someone who is on the verge of succumbing to a serious illness or injury. It emphasizes the severity of the situation and the impending possibility of death. The phrase paints a vivid picture of the individual's condition, emphasizing their vulnerability and the imminent threat to their life.
While the idiom itself does not contain any cultural or historical references, it is deeply rooted in the human experience of illness and mortality. The phrase "at death's door" evokes strong emotions and captures the universal fear and fascination with death that has been present throughout human history. It taps into our shared understanding of the finality of death and highlights the gravity of a person's condition when they are described as being at death's door.
Due to its straightforward nature, the idiom "at death's door" does not encompass any complex linguistic or grammatical elements. It is a concise phrase that effectively conveys the intended meaning without requiring any additional context or explanation. The simplicity of the idiom contributes to its widespread usage and recognition by English speakers of all backgrounds.
The idiom "at death's door" is related to the idioms "on one's deathbed" and "knock on heaven's door" in that they all involve the concept of approaching death. While each idiom has its own specific nuances, underlying them all is the idea of someone being close to death.
"On one's deathbed" is used to describe someone who is currently experiencing their dying moments or is believed to be near death. This idiom emphasizes the immediacy and gravity of the situation. It suggests that the person's time is running out and that death is imminent.
"Knock on heaven's door" is a phrase that conveys a sense of approaching death. It alludes to the idea of someone standing outside the gates of heaven, suggesting that death is just a step away. This idiom carries a slightly more poetic and metaphorical tone compared to the others.
The idiom "at death's door" is a powerful expression that encapsulates the gravity of someone's precarious health condition. It taps into our fear of death and the fragility of life. The idiom's wide usage and straightforward nature have contributed to its longevity and endurance in the English language. By invoking imagery of someone standing on the brink of death, this idiom reminds us of the inevitability of our own mortality and the fragility of life itself.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom at death's door can be used in a sentence:
- After being hospitalized for weeks, Samantha was at death's door before finally recovering.
- The doctor said that John's condition was critical and he was at death's door.
- Without immediate medical attention, the injured hiker would have been at death's door.
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