Death Is a Part of Life
Death is a part of life. We cannot hide from it and we cannot escape it! Perhaps this is the reason that death and dying have influenced so many expressions in English, even when we are not even talking about it.
10 Expressions Using Dead or Death
Here are my top 10 expressions using the words dead or death with examples of how to use them.
1. At death’s door
We use this expression to describe someone who looks very unwell or for someone who might actually be close to death.
A: How is he doing?
B: I’m sorry to say he’s at death’s door.
2. To have a brush with death
If someone comes quite close to dying but luckily survive, they have a brush with death.
A: How do you feel today?
B: Not very good! I keep thinking about how that bus almost hit me yesterday.
A: That’s completely normal. Everybody feels like this when they’ve had a brush with death.
3. A deadbeat
I hope that you have never been described as a deadbeat. A deadbeat is someone who lives there life very poorly, by not paying their own bills, not being able to keep a job, relying on parents or friends to survive and even blaming other people for their problems.
A: Why are you still dating that guy? He’s a real deadbeat!
B: I know, but I still love him.
4. To be dead meat!
This expression is usually used to threaten somebody.
A: Listen carefully! We are going to rob this store, and if you don’t help us you’re dead meat!
5. To be dead to the world
If somebody is in a very deep sleep and unaware of what’s happening around them, often during the daytime, we can say that they are dead to the world.
A: Where is Jen, she should be here enjoying this party. I’ll call her.
B: You can forget about calling her. She’s dead to the world. She won’t hear you.
6. Be dead right / Be dead wrong
This is used when somebody is either absolutely right or absolutely wrong!
A: He the best guitarist in the world!
B: You’re dead right!
7. Over my dead body!
When you want to say that there is no way in the world you will let something happen you say “Over my dead body!.”
A: Mum, I’m moving to Melbourne whether you like it or not.
B: Over my dead body! You are only 15!
8. It’s a matter of life and death.
This is a great expression to use when you want to express how extremely important something is.
A: I need you to do something for me. It’s a matter of life and death.
B: Of course! How can I help?
9. To be sick to death of (something/someone)
When you feel like you have had enough of something or can’t deal with something any more, this is the perfect expression. Be careful when you use it though, it is quite negative.
A: What shall we have for dinner? How about Japanese again?
B: Are you serious? We’ve had Japanese food every day this month. I am sick to death of it! Let’s get something else.
10. Knock ‘em dead
This is definitely my favourite expression on our list and also the most positive. It is used to wish somebody luck before they give a performance or before having an important meeting with people, such as an interview. (‘em = them)
A: I’m really nervous about the interview today. I really hope I get the job.
B: Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll knock ‘em dead.
