IdiomDaily Life
French
FrenchÀ l'article de la mort
Meaning: At the very point of dying.
Literally: At the article of death
Example: “Il se plaint de son rhume comme s'il était à l'article de la mort.” — He complains about his cold as if he were at death's door.
English equivalent: At death's door
Equivalents in other languages
English: at death's door
Origin: From the Latin canonical phrase in articulo mortis, where articulus means a joint and so a critical juncture in time. It marked the moment at which the dying could receive sacraments that were otherwise unavailable.
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