death knell: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘death knell’ mean?
The idiom *death knell* refers to a sign or event that signals the end or downfall of something, often used to describe the final blow for a particular idea, plan, or institution.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "to death" means to an excessive or exaggerated extent, often to the point of becoming tiresome or irritating. It is used to convey the idea of repetition or overdoing something to the point of annoyance.
The idiom "end of the world" is used to describe a situation or event that feels extremely dire, catastrophic, or devastating.
The idiom "end of" is used to emphasize that something is final or absolute, with no possibility of further discussion or negotiation. It is often used to express a strong opinion or to indicate a decision that is not open to debate.
The idiom "dying quail" refers to something that is weak, feeble, or lacking vitality, often used to describe a failed or weak attempt at something.
The idiom "draw one's last breath" means to die or to take one's final breath before passing away.
The idiom "die out" means to cease to exist or become extinct. It is often used to describe the decline or disappearance of a species, a language, or a cultural tradition.
The idiom "die on the vine" means to fail or end without achieving success or completion. It is often used to describe a project, plan, or idea that does not progress or develops further.
The idiom "to die" means to cease living, to expire, or to perish. It is often used figuratively to express a strong feeling or desire, such as "to die laughing" or "to die for." This idiom is commonly used in English literature and everyday conversations.
The idiom "dead 'n' buried" means something is finished, completed, or resolved, often implying a definitive end or closure.
The idiom "dead meat" is used to describe someone who is in serious trouble or facing severe consequences. It implies that the person is helpless and likely to suffer negative consequences or punishment.
Eerie Undertones
The idiom "death knell" has its origins in the practice of ringing bells to signal the passing or impending demise of a person. It is derived from the noun "knell," which refers to the sound of a bell rung solemnly and slowly, typically for a funeral or to mourn a death. The tolling of bells has historically served as a way to mark the passing of an individual, announce tragic events, or signify the end of an era.
The metaphorical use of "death knell" emerged in the early 19th century and has been in common usage since then. It is often used to describe an event or circumstance that marks the end or leads to the downfall of something. The idiom is employed to convey a sense of finality, inevitability, and negative impact. When we hear the death knell, we know that it is the end. It's like a warning signal of the end.
One example of the idiomatic usage of "death knell" can be seen in the context of a failing business. If a company experiences significant financial losses or encounters insurmountable challenges, it may be said that these events sound the death knell for the business, signifying its imminent closure or downfall. When a business is on the brink of closure, it is at death's door. When we say a business is at death's door, we mean that it is extremely close to failing completely.
Similarly, in the realm of politics, the idiom can be applied to describe a situation where a particular event or development serves as a decisive blow to the prospects of a political campaign, candidacy, or even an entire political party. This metaphorical usage highlights the significance and potential irreversibility of the negative consequences. It's like another nail in someone's coffin. When something delivers a fatal blow, it's like driving another nail into someone's coffin, signifying the end of their hopes or chances.
Furthermore, the idiom can be used in a more general sense to refer to any action, decision, or occurrence that has a profound and detrimental impact on a person, organization, idea, or belief. It aims to capture the gravity and finality of such circumstances, often emphasizing the sense of an ending or downfall. When something has a profound and detrimental impact, it can be said to bring something to death. When we say something brings something to death, we mean that it causes the end of that thing.
It is worth noting that the association between bells and death dates back centuries and is deeply ingrained in various cultures and traditions. This cultural backdrop contributes to the evocative power and imagery of the idiom "death knell." The tolling of bells has long been a symbolic sound associated with death and endings. It serves as a warning signal that the end is near. When we say something is like the end of the world, we mean that it feels like everything is coming to an end, much like the sound of a death knell.
The idiom "death knell" has its origins in the somber sound of bells ringing to mark a death. It has evolved to refer metaphorically to a decisive event or circumstance that heralds the end or downfall of something. Its usage conveys a sense of finality and negative impact, capturing the gravity and irreversibility of the consequences. The longstanding association between bells and death in various cultures further enhances the evocative nature of this idiom. When something comes to an end, it is like the sound of a death knell, signifying that it is truly over.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "death knell" can be used in a sentence:
- The closure of the factory sounded the death knell for the town's economy.
- The invention of the smartphone signaled the death knell for traditional landline telephones.
- The defeat in the final game was the death knell for their championship aspirations.
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