big sleep: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘big sleep’ mean?
The idiom "big sleep" refers to the state of death or eternal rest, often used as a euphemism. It signifies the end of one's life, suggesting a peaceful and final slumber.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "sleep" means to rest or be in a state of unconsciousness, usually at night, when the body and mind rejuvenate.
The idiom "let sleeping dogs lie" means to avoid interfering in a situation, especially if it may cause trouble or controversy. It suggests leaving things as they are, without disturbing or reigniting potential conflicts or problems.
The idiom "lay to rest" means to finally resolve or put an end to something, especially a controversial or lingering issue, through a definitive action or decision.
The idiom "lay to rest" is commonly used in English-speaking countries, including the United States. In its literal sense, "lay to rest" refers to the act of burying a deceased person. It is associated with funeral rites and signifies the final farewell to the departed individual.
An idiom that means the final or last gathering or collection of something or someone, often used to express the end or conclusion of a particular event, activity, or period of time.
The idiom "kill me" is an informal expression used to convey extreme boredom, annoyance, or frustration. It is often used humorously to exaggerate a negative feeling or situation.
The idiom "kick the bucket" means to die or to pass away. It is a metaphorical expression that originated from the idea of someone accidentally kicking a bucket while they are hanging from a noose, resulting in their death.
The idiom "in bed" is used to describe being in a state of involvement or deep understanding of a particular subject or activity.
The idiom "in bed" is a common phrase used in everyday language, especially in informal conversations. Its origins can be traced back to the early 19th century, and it has been widely used in both British and American English.
The idiom "great beyond" refers to the unknown or beyond what is known or comprehensible. It implies something that is beyond the scope of our understanding or beyond the limits of our knowledge. It can also refer to the afterlife or the world beyond death.
The idiom "go to sleep" means to fall asleep or to begin the process of sleeping. It is often used to encourage someone to relax and rest, or to indicate that someone is not paying attention or is disinterested in a particular topic or situation.
The idiom "good life" refers to a state of living that is comfortable, enjoyable, and fulfilling. It implies a life filled with happiness, success, and contentment.
Unraveling its Enigmatic Origins
The idiom "big sleep" is a common phrase in American English that is often used as a euphemism for death or the act of dying. It gained popularity through its usage in the 1939 crime novel "The Big Sleep" by Raymond Chandler, later made into a film in 1946.
Derived from the literal meaning of sleep as a state of unconsciousness in which individuals rest and revitalize their bodies, the idiom "big sleep" takes on a metaphorical meaning, referring to the final sleep or eternal rest that one experiences after death. This association can be traced back to ancient beliefs and cultural traditions that equated sleep with a temporary state of death.
Further popularized by its use in detective fiction and film noir, the idiom "big sleep" creates an air of mystery and intrigue surrounding a character's demise, emphasizing the fatal consequences of their actions. It suggests that death is an inevitable outcome of the character's involvement in criminal activities.
While "big sleep" primarily connotes death, it also carries connotations of finality, peace, and release from worldly concerns. It often describes the death of individuals who had been suffering from prolonged illnesses or experiencing significant emotional turmoil. The idiom implies a sense of relief or deliverance from the struggles and burdens of life.
Although the origin and early usage of the idiom "big sleep" remain somewhat elusive, its association with death and its continued usage in literature and everyday language demonstrate its enduring popularity and cultural significance. Across time and various contexts, the idiom has served as a concise yet evocative expression to convey the ultimate and irreversible nature of death. Its usage underscores the universal human fascination with mortality and the profound mystery that surrounds the end of life.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "big sleep" can be used in a sentence include:
- He peacefully entered the big sleep after a long and fulfilling life.
- It was clear that the old dog was ready for the big sleep as his health rapidly declined.
- She was found lying peacefully in bed, having quietly slipped into the big sleep during the night.
More "Death" idioms
