IdiomDaily LifeSwedish

sjunga på sista versen

Meaning: To be near the end of one's life or near the end of something's existence.

Literally: To sing on the last verse

Example: “Min gamla dator sjunger på sista versen.” — My old computer is on its last legs.

English equivalent: On one's last legs

Equivalents in other languages

Origin: Hymns and songs end with a last verse, so something singing its last verse is nearly over. It is said of a worn-out machine, a dying person or an institution near its end. No first use is documented.

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