Dead and buried

Meaning

The idiom "dead and buried" means to bury something so thoroughly that it cannot be found or retrieved, even if it were to resurface. It can also mean that a person or thing has been completely destroyed or eliminated, leaving no trace or memory behind.

Usage

• They searched every corner of the room but couldn't find the missing key. It was truly dead and buried.
• The company went bankrupt and all their debts were buried in the ground with them.
• When the car crashed, it left behind a trail of destruction that was dead and buried for years to come.
• The old movie was so forgettable that it was like it never existed at all, as if it had been dead and buried for decades.
• The new CEO's leadership style was a breath of fresh air in the stagnant company, and he promised to bury the old ways once and for all.

Roots and History

The idiom "dead and buried" dates back to the 17th century and is believed to have originated from the practice of burying a person or object in a cemetery. However, over time, the phrase has taken on a figurative meaning that extends beyond the literal act of burial. Cultural variations of this idiom can be found in other languages, such as the Spanish "enterrado en la selva" which translates to "buried in the forest," and the French "enterré vivant" which means "buried alive."

Synonyms in English

• buried forever
• lost for eternity
• gone without a trace

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: "enterrado en la selva" (buried in the forest)
• French: "enterré vivant" (buried alive)
• German: "verschwunden ohne Spuren" (lost without a trace)

Similar Idioms

• dream come true

• down in the dumps

• dead as a doornail