not long for this world: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘not long for this world’ mean?
The idiomatic phrase "not long for this world" means that someone or something is expected to die or disappear soon.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "the sun sets on something" means that something is coming to an end or reaching its completion.
The idiom "pass away" means to die, typically used in a more gentle or euphemistic way. It implies the transition from life to death, suggesting a peaceful or dignified departure.
The idiom "of late" refers to something that has occurred or been happening in the recent or immediate past.
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 "now or never" means that something must be done immediately or it will never be possible to do it. It emphasizes the urgency of taking action without delay.
The idiom "nowhere to be found" means that someone or something cannot be located or is completely absent.
The idiom "not the end of the world" means that something is not a catastrophic or extremely serious event, even though it may feel like it at the moment.
The idiom "not see someone for dust" means to not have seen someone for a long time.
The idiom "not much of anything" means a lack of substance, value, or importance. It implies that there is very little or almost nothing in terms of quantity, quality, or significance.
The idiom "not likely" means something is improbable or unlikely to happen.
Unveiling Mortality
The idiom "not long for this world" is commonly used in the English language to indicate that someone or something is not expected to live or survive for much longer. It conveys a sense of impending death or demise. One related idiom that comes to mind is "life is too short". This idiom emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and reminds us to make the most of our time. It serves as a reminder that our time on this earth is limited and we should strive to live our lives to the fullest.
Another related idiom is "the sun sets on something". This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe the end or decline of something. It implies that a certain period or era is coming to an end, much like the setting of the sun marks the end of the day. In the context of "not long for this world", this idiom can be used to describe the nearing end or decline of someone or something.
The idiom "pass away" is also related to "not long for this world". It is a euphemism for dying or death. When someone is said to have "passed away", it means that they have died. This idiom is often used to soften the blow of death and is considered more polite or sensitive than saying someone has "died". It is a way of acknowledging the inevitability of death while also showing respect or compassion.
One more related idiom is "long in the tooth". This phrase is used to describe someone who is old or aging. It originates from the practice of estimating a horse's age by examining its teeth. As a horse ages, its teeth become longer, hence the phrase "long in the tooth" came to be associated with old age. In the context of "not long for this world", this idiom can be used to describe someone who is aging and not expected to live much longer.
One of the earliest known uses of the phrase "not long for this world" can be traced back to the late 18th century. According to available sources, it first appeared in print in 1789 in a novel titled "The Man of Feeling" by Henry Mackenzie. The protagonist of the story, Harley, is depicted as saying, "Our pleasures here are not long for this world."
The phrase "not long for this world" is an idiomatic expression combining the adverb "not" with the adjective "long" and the preposition "for". In this context, "not" serves to negate the notion of longevity, suggesting a lack of time or duration. The word "long" refers to an extended period of time, while "for" indicates a specific purpose or destination.
The idiom can be used to describe the imminent death or expected demise of a person, an animal, or even an object. It is often employed in situations where there is a clear indication that the subject is in a fragile or deteriorating state and is unlikely to survive for much longer. When someone or something is described as "not long for this world", it implies that their time is limited and their end is near.
While the phrase is primarily used in a literal sense to refer to physical mortality, it can also be used metaphorically to imply that someone or something is facing an impending end or downfall. This metaphorical usage emphasizes the transient nature of existence and the inevitability of change. Just as everything eventually comes to an end, whether it be a life, a relationship, or a career, the idiom "not long for this world" reminds us that nothing lasts forever and that change is an integral part of life.
Although the idiom is widely understood and frequently used by native English speakers, its origins are not fully understood. The exact reasons why the combination of words in this particular sequence came to convey the notion of imminent death or decline remain unclear. However, what is clear is that the idiom has become a commonly used phrase in the English language, effectively conveying the concept of limited time and impending demise.
The idiom "not long for this world" is commonly used in the English language to express the belief that someone or something is not expected to live or survive for much longer. Its usage conveys the sense of impending death or demise and can be employed both literally and metaphorically. Related idioms such as "life is too short", "the sun sets on something", "pass away", and "long in the tooth" further emphasize the transient nature of life and the inevitability of change. While the origins of the idiom are uncertain, its presence in the language serves as a reminder to make the most of our time and appreciate the fleeting moments we have before they are gone.
Example usage
Examples: 1. "The doctor said that my grandfather is not long for this world, so we should spend as much time as we can with him." 2. "As soon as I heard the news of her illness, I knew she was not long for this world." 3. "The old abandoned house is falling apart and not long for this world."
When we say someone or something is "not long for this world," we mean that they will not continue to exist or survive for much longer. This idiom is often used to describe a person who is seriously ill or in a deteriorating condition and is expected to die soon. In example 1, the speaker's grandfather is described as being "not long for this world" by a doctor, indicating his imminent death. In example 2, the speaker's knowledge of someone's illness leads them to believe that the person's time is limited. In example 3, the phrase is used metaphorically to describe the condition of an old, decrepit house, suggesting that it is about to collapse or be destroyed.
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