buy the farm: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘buy the farm’ mean?
The idiom "buy the farm" means to die or to be killed, especially in a military context. It originated from the idea that when a person dies, their family will receive money or compensation for their death, allowing them to pay off any debts, including the mortgage on the family farm.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "land poor" means to be wealthy in terms of owning land, but lacking the necessary funds or resources to maintain or develop it, resulting in financial difficulty.
The idiom "kill the goose that lays the golden eggs" means to destroy a valuable source of income or opportunity by being greedy or short-sighted.
The idiom "kill the fatted calf" means to prepare or celebrate in an extravagant or lavish way, especially to welcome someone or mark a special occasion.
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 for the kill" is used to describe a situation where someone is determined to achieve their goal and will do whatever it takes to succeed.
The idiom "in fee" means to own something completely and have full control over it, especially in legal terms. It refers to the ownership of a property or piece of land without any limitations or restrictions.
The idiom "hill to die on" refers to a strongly held belief or principle that a person is unwilling to compromise on, even if it means facing serious consequences or opposition.
The idiom "hell to pay" means to face severe consequences or trouble for one's actions or decisions.
The idiom "go to the wall" means to face defeat or failure, often in a financial or competitive context.
Origins Unveiled
The idiom "bet the farm" is another commonly used expression in American English that is related to "buy the farm." It shares a similar meaning, suggesting a high-stakes gamble or risk. When someone "bets the farm," they are metaphorically putting everything they have on the line, risking it all for a potentially great reward. This idiom is often used in situations where someone is taking a significant financial or personal risk, with the outcome being uncertain. It's important to note that "bet the farm" is used in informal contexts and may not be appropriate for formal or professional settings.
Another related idiom is "to the death." This expression conveys a sense of extreme determination, suggesting that someone is willing to fight or compete until the very end, regardless of the consequences. It is often used to describe intense competitions, arguments, or conflicts where there is no room for compromise or surrender. This idiom emphasizes the idea of persistence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to a cause or goal.
The idiom "die" is perhaps the most straightforward and literal related term to "buy the farm." When someone dies, their life comes to an end, and this idiom encapsulates that finality. While it is a somber and serious word, it is often used in a euphemistic or figurative way, similar to "buy the farm." Both idioms are commonly used to discuss death or mortality in a less direct or confrontational manner.
Additionally, we have the idiom "bring home the bacon," which is related to "buy the farm" in the sense that it involves achieving success or earning a living. "Bring home the bacon" means to provide for one's family or to earn a sufficient income to support oneself. This idiom is often used in the context of work, career, or financial accomplishments. While it may not directly relate to death or mortality like the other idioms, it shares a connection through the idea of earning a living or achieving financial stability.
"buy the farm" is a metaphorical expression commonly used in American English to mean to die or be killed. It is related to other idioms such as "bet the farm," "to the death," "die," and "bring home the bacon." While the exact origin of "buy the farm" is uncertain, it has firmly established its meaning in the lexicon of American English, reflecting our fascination with mortality and the transient nature of life. These idioms add depth and complexity to our language, capturing the complexities of life and death in simple yet impactful phrases.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "buy the farm" can be used in a sentence:
- He spent all his savings to buy the farm of his dreams. - Sadly, her father passed away last year, and now her mother wants to sell the family farm. They have decided it's time to buy the farm. - The company made a risky investment and ended up buying the farm when the project failed.More "Loss" idioms
