pass away: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘pass away’ mean?
The idiom "pass away" means to die, typically used in a more gentle or euphemistic way. It implies the transition from life to death, suggesting a peaceful or dignified departure.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "shuffle off this mortal coil" means to die or pass away. It suggests that a person is shedding the burden of their mortal existence, often in a peaceful or resigned manner.
The idiom "say goodbye" means to part or separate from someone or something, often permanently. It implies a finality or ending to a relationship, situation, or opportunity.
The idiom "push up daisies" means to be dead and buried in a cemetery.
The idiom "push up daisies" is a common expression used in American English to refer to someone's death. It suggests that the person has been buried, with their body pushing up the daisies that grow over their grave. In other words, it means that the person is no longer alive or that they have passed away.
The idiom "play down" means to minimize or downplay the importance or significance of something, often by making it seem less serious or less significant than it actually is.
The idiom "piss off" is a vulgar expression meaning to anger or annoy someone. It is considered rude and offensive, and is often used to express strong disapproval or frustration towards someone or something.
The idiom "piss off" is a commonly used phrase in informal English. It means to cause someone to become angry, annoyed, or irritated. This idiom is considered vulgar and is often used in impolite contexts.
The idiom "piss away" means to waste or squander something, especially money, in a careless or reckless manner.
The idiom "pip to the post" means to just manage to surpass or defeat someone at the last moment or in a close competition.
Pip to the post is an idiom used to describe a situation in which someone narrowly wins or achieves something, often defeating a competitor at the last moment or by a small margin. The phrase originates from horse racing and refers to a horse that crosses the finish line just before another horse, securing victory by the narrowest of margins.
The idiom "pipe the eye" means to shed tears or cry, often due to sadness or emotional distress.
Idiom: pipe the eye
The idiom "pipe the eye" is an informal expression in English that means "to cry" or "to shed tears." Its origin is unclear, but it is commonly used to describe the act of crying, often in a lamenting or sorrowful manner.
The idiom "pipe down" means to become quiet or stop talking. It is often used in informal situations to ask someone to stop making noise or to stop talking loudly.
The idiom "peed off" means to be extremely angry, annoyed, or irritated about something or someone.
It is an informal expression often used in casual conversations to express strong negative emotions.
Decoding Mortal Transcendence
The idiom "pass away" is a commonly used expression in the English language, often used to convey the idea of someone's death in a gentle and less direct manner. It is considered a polite and sensitive way to discuss or announce someone's passing. The term originated in the late 17th century and has remained in use ever since. The phrase "pass away" is derived from the verb "pass," which metaphorically represents the transition from life to death. The word "away" emphasizes the notion of departing or leaving this world. This idiom is widely accepted and understood by native English speakers and is commonly used in contexts such as obituaries, condolences, or discussions about someone's death. The etymology of the phrase reveals that the word "pass" has a long history, dating back to Middle English and Old French, where it referred to movement, progression, or crossing over. This evolution of the word helps us understand the underlying meaning behind the idiom "pass away." While "pass away" is a popular choice, there are also other synonyms that can be used to describe the concept of death. These include "die," "die down," "die out," and "shuffle off this mortal coil." Each idiom carries its own connotation and may be chosen based on cultural or personal preferences. The idiom "die" is the most straightforward and direct way to refer to death. It is often used in a neutral or matter-of-fact manner. In comparison, "pass away" offers a more gentle and euphemistic approach. "Dying down" refers to the gradual reduction or diminishing of something, such as an activity or a conversation. It conveys the idea that something is slowly coming to an end or losing its intensity. This idiom is often used in contexts where a situation or event is calming or quieting down. "Die out" is used to describe the extinction or disappearance of something, such as a species or a tradition. It suggests that something is gradually vanishing or becoming extinct over time. This idiom is frequently used in discussions about endangered species or cultural practices that are fading away. "Shuffle off this mortal coil" is a phrase derived from Shakespeare's play Hamlet. It is a poetic and dramatic way to refer to death, emphasizing the idea of departing from the physical world. This idiom conveys a sense of finality and the transcendence of mortal existence. Reflecting on the historical and cultural connotations associated with the idiom "pass away" allows us to contemplate the universal human experience of death. It invites introspection and encourages us to reflect on our mortality and the impact we leave behind. As we engage with this simple yet profound idiom, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the inevitability of our own passing.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom pass away can be used in a sentence:
- He passed away peacefully in his sleep.
- Unfortunately, her dog recently passed away.
- My grandmother passed away when I was a child.
More "Death" idioms
