turn in one’s grave: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘turn in one's grave’ mean?
The idiom "turn in one's grave" means to experience strong disapproval or disappointment, symbolically imagined as the deceased person's reaction to a particular event or situation.
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.
The idiom "valley of death" refers to a situation or experience that is extremely difficult or dangerous. It is often used to describe a challenging period or obstacle that must be overcome.
The idiom "turn-off" refers to something that causes a loss of interest or enthusiasm in a person or makes them feel repulsed or disgusted.
The idiom "turn of events" refers to an unexpected change or shift in a situation or sequence of events.
The idiom "turn into a pumpkin" means to suddenly become very tired or fall asleep, often at or after midnight.
The idiom "turn into" means to undergo a transformation or change, typically resulting in becoming something else or adopting a different form or state.
The idiom "turn in" means to go to bed or to go to sleep.
The idiom "turn heads" means to attract attention or make people notice and look at someone or something because of their exceptional appearance or behavior.
The idiom "turn down" means to reject or refuse something, usually an offer or invitation.
When used as an idiom, "turn around" means to change direction, to reverse a situation, or to make a significant improvement in a short amount of time.
The Eerie after Death
The idiom "turn in one's grave" refers to the concept of a deceased person being so shocked, appalled, or angered by something happening in the present that they would figuratively turn in their grave. The phrase is used to convey the idea that the deceased person would strongly disapprove of the current situation or action, suggesting that it goes against their beliefs, principles, or values.
One fact about the idiom is that it is considered a metaphorical expression. It does not literally imply that a corpse has the ability to physically turn in a grave. Instead, it is a figurative way of suggesting that the deceased person would strongly react to the current situation if they were alive.
A common belief related to the idiom is that it originates from the idea that the deceased person's burial location should be chosen carefully to prevent them from having any disturbances after death. This belief suggests that if someone were to act in a way that would contradict the deceased person's beliefs, they would metaphorically turn in their grave due to the disturbance to their eternal rest.
Several notable writers have used the idiom in their works, contributing to its popularization. For example, Charles Dickens included the phrase "They would turn in their graves if they could see it" in his novel "Barnaby Rudge," published in 1841. This demonstrates that the idiom was in use and understood at the time.
Additionally, the idiom has been frequently used in newspaper headlines and articles to emphasize the disapproval or shock that a deceased person would have if they were aware of a particular event or situation. It is not exclusive to one specific culture or language but is an expression used in various English-speaking countries.
Another idiom related to the concept of turning in one's grave is "dig one's own grave." This phrase is used to convey the idea that someone is taking actions that will ultimately lead to their own downfall or harm. It suggests that the person is making choices or decisions that are detrimental to their own well-being.
Similarly, the idiom "take someone to the grave" is used when someone keeps a secret or sensitive information until their death. This phrase implies that the information is so grave or important that the person is willing to keep it hidden until they die.
Furthermore, the idiom "take a turn for the worse" is used to describe a situation that deteriorates or becomes more unfavorable than it was before. It suggests that something was already not going well, but it has now worsened or taken a negative turn.
Another related idiomatic phrase is "put in the ground," which refers to the burial or interment of a deceased person. This phrase emphasizes the act of laying the deceased person to rest in the ground as part of the funeral or burial process.
Finally, the idiom "dead and buried" refers to the concept of something being completely finished or resolved, with no chance of revival or reconsideration. It suggests that a situation or issue has been put to rest, and there is no possibility of it being revived or revisited.
Overall, the idiom "turn in one's grave" is deeply rooted in the metaphorical representation of a deceased person's reaction to a current event or situation contrary to their beliefs. Its usage has been present for centuries and has been embraced by writers and the media. It is commonly used in English-speaking countries and serves as a way to convey strong disapproval or astonishment. Additionally, idioms such as "dig one's own grave," "take someone to the grave," "take a turn for the worse," "put in the ground," and "dead and buried" are related to the concept of turning in one's grave and further enrich the language and expressions used to convey various ideas and emotions.
Example usage
Examples:
- When the developer decided to demolish the historic building, the architect who designed it would be turning in his grave.
- If my grandmother knew I was planning to sell her antique furniture, she would be turning in her grave.
- The author's work was heavily edited by his publisher, and he would be turning in his grave if he knew.