six feet under: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘six feet under’ mean?
The idiom "six feet under" is used to describe someone who is deceased and buried in a grave. It refers to the standard depth of a burial plot, which is typically six feet deep.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "watery grave" refers to a person dying by drowning in water. It is often used to symbolize a tragic death at sea or in any body of water.
Watery grave is an idiom that evokes a vivid image of death by drowning. It is often used metaphorically to refer to a tragic or unfortunate end. The idiom is believed to have originated from the association of water with danger and death. Throughout history, drowning has been a common cause of accidental deaths.
The idiom "the box they're going to bury it in" refers to the final resting place or ultimate outcome of something. It implies that the situation or matter will be closed or resolved completely.
The idiom "take something to the grave" means to keep a secret or piece of information hidden for one's entire life, never revealing it to anyone, even on their deathbed.
The idiom "take someone to the grave" means to keep a secret or confidential information hidden and never reveal it, even after death.
This phrase suggests a strong determination to protect the secret and maintain loyalty and trust, even when faced with extreme circumstances.
The idiom "take soil" means to be buried or interred in the ground after death.
The idiom "suit down to the ground" means that something is very suitable or appropriate for someone. It suggests a perfect match or fit between a person and a particular situation.
The idiom "suit down to the ground" is a perfect fit or compatibility between a person and a particular situation or role they are in. It is primarily used in British English and less prevalent in American English.
The idiom "stop dead" means to suddenly and completely stop moving or doing something, often due to shock, surprise, or fear.
The idiom "stop dead" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It describes a sudden and complete cessation of movement or action. When someone "stops dead," they come to an abrupt halt, freezing in their tracks.
The idiom "stone dead" means completely and utterly lifeless or without any sign of life. It is often used to describe something or someone that is completely motionless, inactive, or devoid of any vitality or energy.
The idiom "stick one's head in the sand" means to ignore or refuse to acknowledge a problem or unpleasant situation, often out of fear or denial.
The idiom "stand from under" means to get out of the way or to move aside in order to avoid being hurt or affected by a situation, often a dangerous or unpredictable one.
The idiom "stand from under" dates back to the 16th century and is a phrasal verb, consisting of a verb followed by a preposition or adverb. Its primary meaning is to move away from a dangerous or potentially harmful situation.
The Depths of Rest
The idiom "six feet under" has its origins in the funeral industry and specifically refers to being buried in a grave. The phrase is often used to represent death or someone who has died. It is a common expression in English-speaking countries and has been in use for many years.
The depth at which a typical grave is dug is commonly referred to as "six feet under". In the past, graves were commonly dug to this depth as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of diseases that could be transmitted from decaying corpses. While this practice may vary in different parts of the world and across different time periods, being "six feet under" has become deeply ingrained in popular culture as a symbol of death and burial.
Over time, the idiom "six feet under" has taken on a figurative meaning beyond its literal burial reference. It is often used metaphorically to describe someone who has died or to emphasize the finality of death. The phrase is frequently employed in conversations, literature, and other forms of media to convey the idea of irreversible and permanent cessation of life.
In addition to its association with death, "six feet under" is sometimes used humorously or ironically to describe someone who is extremely tired or worn out. This usage plays on the dual meaning of being physically exhausted and also alluding to the idea of rest in a grave.
There is limited information available on the exact origin and evolution of the idiom "six feet under." It is likely that the phrase became popularized through common usage and cultural references over time.
The idiom "six feet under" continues to be an established expression in the English language, often evoking a sense of finality and mortality. It serves as a reminder of the inevitable fate that awaits all living beings. While its origins may be uncertain, the idiom's enduring presence in everyday language attests to its lasting impact and meaning.
The idiom "dead and buried" is closely related to the concept of being "six feet under." It is a phrase often used to describe someone or something that is completely finished or no longer relevant. Just as being "six feet under" represents the finality of death, being "dead and buried" signifies the end of a person or thing.
The phrase "put in the ground" is another idiom that is connected to the idea of being "six feet under." It is a more direct and explicit way of referring to the burial process. When someone is "put in the ground," it means that their body is being laid to rest in a grave, emphasizing the physical act of burial.
"dead 'n' buried" is a colloquial variation of the idiom "dead and buried." It is often used in informal conversations to convey the same idea of something or someone being completely finished or no longer relevant. This variation adds a touch of informality and familiarity to the expression.
The phrase "deep six" is a separate idiom that has a similar meaning to "six feet under." It is used to describe something or someone that has been completely discarded, forgotten, or hidden away. Just as a body is buried deep in the ground, an object or idea that has been "deep six"ed is out of sight and out of mind.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "six feet under" can be used in a sentence:
- After a long and fulfilling life, John was laid to rest six feet under.
- The treasure was buried deep in the ground, six feet under, waiting to be discovered.
- His dreams of becoming a famous actor are now six feet under as he gave up pursuing his passion.
More "Death" idioms
