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give up the ghost

Meaning: To die, or to cease functioning entirely.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: Body & Senses

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.

More idioms — Body & Senses

  • make a fist of — To accomplish something with reasonable competence or success.
  • body English — Subtle body movements a person makes to coax a moving object toward a desired direction,…
  • all mouth and trousers — Full of loud boasting and empty talk, lacking substance or follow-through.
  • turn on one's heel — To suddenly depart or walk away, often in a dramatic or dismissive manner.
  • what's eating you — What is bothering or irritating you?
  • old flame — A former romantic partner, especially one whose memory still stirs affection.

More English idioms

  • 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.
  • string attached — A hidden condition or requirement that makes something less advantageous than it initiall…
  • 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.

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