go the way of the dodo bird: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘go the way of the dodo bird’ mean?
The idiom "go the way of the dodo bird" means to become extinct or disappear completely, like the dodo bird did several centuries ago. It implies that something or someone is on the path towards total disappearance or obsolescence.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "off the face of the earth" means to disappear or vanish completely, as if someone or something has been wiped out or eradicated without a trace.
The idiom "go the way of the dinosaurs" means to become extinct or obsolete, similar to how dinosaurs disappeared from the Earth millions of years ago.
The idiom "go the way of" means to follow the same path or fate as something or someone, usually implying that the outcome will not be favorable or will result in obsolescence or extinction.
The idiom "goose is cooked" means that a person or situation is in a dire or hopeless position, with no chance of escape or success.
The idiom "go nowhere" means to make no progress or to have no effect. It can be used to describe a situation, a plan, or a person's actions that are unproductive or leading to no meaningful outcome.
The idiom "gone with the wind" means to disappear or be completely lost, often without any trace or indication of where or how it happened.
The idiom "go down the toilet" means to fail completely or be wasted, often used to describe a situation, plan, or investment that has gone wrong or lost its value.
The idiom "go down the road" means to pursue a particular course of action or explore a certain path or avenue in life.
Extinction Enigma
The idiom "go the way of the dodo bird" is rooted in the notion of extinction. It refers to something becoming obsolete or ceasing to exist, much like the dodo bird, which went extinct in the late 17th century. The dodo bird was a flightless bird that inhabited the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. First discovered by Dutch sailors in 1598, it became known for its plump body, short wings, and inability to fly.
The dodo bird thrived in its isolated island habitat. However, after the arrival of humans, its population rapidly declined. Humans hunted the bird for food and introduced predators, causing a significant decrease in the dodo bird's numbers.
One common context in which this idiom is used is in reference to technology. Many devices, gadgets, and even entire industries have faced obsolescence. For example, with the rise of digital photography, traditional film cameras have gone the way of the dodo bird.
The idiom also applies to cultural trends, such as fashion styles or music genres that fall out of favor and are replaced by new trends. These trends go the way of the dodo bird, disappearing and being replaced by the latest and greatest.
However, it is important to note that the idiom can also be used in a cautionary or preventive context. It serves as a reminder or a warning, indicating that certain actions or behaviors may lead to undesirable outcomes or consequences. If we don't adapt, evolve, or change our ways, we may go the way of the dodo bird.
Speaking of extinction and obsolescence, another related idiom is "go the way of the dinosaurs." This idiom refers to something becoming extinct or outdated, similar to how dinosaurs roamed the Earth millions of years ago but no longer exist. Just like the dodo bird, dinosaurs were once thriving species that eventually went extinct.
Similarly, the idiom "go the way of" suggests that something is on the path to extinction or obsolescence. It is often used to describe the decline of specific products, industries, or even ideologies. The phrase emphasizes the inevitability of their demise or disappearance.
Another related idiom is "die out," which is synonymous with extinction. It is used to describe the disappearance of a particular species or the end of something significant. For example, certain traditions or cultural practices may gradually die out over time.
Lastly, the idiom "go by the wayside" is often used to describe something that has been forgotten or abandoned. It suggests that something or someone has been left behind or disregarded in favor of something else. This idiom is closely related to the idea of the dodo bird and its disappearance from the world.
The idiom "go the way of the dodo bird" carries a figurative weight that transcends its literal origin. It encapsulates the sense of irreversibility, finality, and loss associated with extinction. It reminds us of the fragility of existence and the transient nature of things.
While the dodo bird is long gone, its legacy lives on in the language we use and the idioms we employ to convey complex ideas. Just like the dodo bird, certain things in life may inevitably go the way of the dinosaurs, die out, or go by the wayside. It is up to us to adapt, evolve, and change our ways to ensure we don't become obsolete.
Example usage
Examples of the idiom *go the way of the dodo bird*:
- With the rise of digital music streaming, traditional record stores are going the way of the dodo bird.
- In the age of smartphones, landline telephones are slowly going the way of the dodo bird.
- As technology advances, handwritten letters are going the way of the dodo bird.
More "Extinction" idioms
