give up the ghost

Meaning: To die, or to cease functioning entirely.

Example: “My old laptop finally gave up the ghost in the middle of my presentation.”

Equivalents in other languages

Origin: In medieval Christian belief, the ghost or soul was thought to depart the body at death; to release it was to surrender life itself.

live in the past To be preoccupied with previous events and unable to move forward in life.
hammer and tongs With great vigor and force; in a determined and vigorous manner.
in black and white Stated explicitly and in writing; absolutely clear and unambiguous.
strings attached Hidden conditions or requirements that make something less advantageous than it first app…
rhyme or reason Any logical sense or reasonable explanation.
drop in the bucket A contribution or action so small it is negligible compared to a massive problem.

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

눈치가 없다 (nunchi ga eopda) Hopelessly socially oblivious — can't pick up on emotional cues, awkward silences, or uns…
حمار (ḥimār) A stubborn fool — the donkey being the universal symbol of obstinacy in Arabic culture.
Je bent een kanjer You're a star — a champ and a wonderful person.

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