| Idiom/Saying | Explanation |
|---|---|
Davy Jones' locker For example:- Everyone on the ship drowned, they're in Davy Jones' locker now. |
Davy Jones is the nickname for the devil of the sea. Davy Jones' locker means the bottom of the sea or ocean - the resting place of drowned sailors. It is used as a euphemism for death at sea. |
Over my dead body. For example:- When I asked my mum if I could have my ears pierced she replied, "Over my dead body!" |
An expression of defiance. If you say that something will happen over your dead body, you mean that you will do anything to prevent it |
Dead in the water For example: Eventually they had to accept that the whole project was dead in the water. |
Something that has failed and it seems impossible that it will be successful in the future. |
Dead set against For example: |
To be completely opposed to something. |
Cheat death For example:- An eccentric British pilot cheated death after crash-landing in the shark-infested waters of the Caribbean. |
To avoid a possibly fatal event or prolong your life in spite of considerable odds. |
Death warmed up For example:- She was so pale she looked like death warmed up. |
Used when someone looks very ill. |
Death wish For example: He keeps taking risks. It's almost as if he has a death wish. |
Desire for death. |
A dead duck For example:- "The police admitted that they were giving up, the case was a dead duck." |
A failure. |
It's Your Funeral For example:- He's going out tonight, but if he doesn't meet the deadline he'll lose his job. I guess it's his funeral. |
We say this when someone makes a decision that you don't agree with. |
To get hitched For example:- Miquepani got hitched on Friday 13th. |
To get married. |
Honeymoon period. For example:- The new CEO is enjoying a honeymoon period. None of the shareholders critisized him. |
A short period of time when starting something new, when no one criticizes you. |
The honeymoon is over. For example:- The latest figures were very bad and the shareholders are calling for his resignation. I guess the honeymoon is over. |
The time when after starting something new (a job etc.) people start to critisize you (see Honeymoon period). |
A dogs life For example: I've got to go to work, then do the shopping, then pick the children up from school and cook their dinner - it's a dog's life! |
Life is hard and unpleasant. |
A fact of life For example: An unpleasant fact or situation which people accept because they cannot change it. |
Stress is a fact of life. |
|
|
Half dead For example: After doing all my chores I was half dead. |
Extremely tired. |
Like death warmed up. For example: He went home with the flu. He looked like death warmed up. |
To look very ill or tired. |
Large as life For example: I looked up and there he was, as large as life, Elvis Presley! |
Used to escribe a person you see, and are surprised to see, in a particular place. |
Lead a double life For example: For years he led a double life as an agent for the intelligence services. |
To have a second, secret life that is usually not socially acceptable. |
Shelf life For example: Fresh milk has a short shelf life. |
The length of time that a product, especially food, can be kept in a shop before it becomes too old to be sold or used. |
Marry in haste, repent at leisure. For example:- She suddenly realised she didn't even like him that much, but you know what they say, "marry in haste, repent at leisure." |
If you get married too soon, you will regret it. |
The pearly gates. For example: We all end up standing at the pearly gates. |
The entrance to heaven. |
To tie the knot. For example:- Miquepani tied the knot on Friday 13th. |
To get married. |
| Idioms for dying | |
To bite the dust. |
|
| Idioms for being dead | |
Dead as a dodo. |
|
| Idioms about getting married | |
To tie the knot. |
|
