Dead as a dodo

Meaning

The idiom "dead as a dodo" means to be completely dead or lifeless, with no movement or activity whatsoever. It is often used to describe someone who has died or passed away.

Usage

• After the concert, we discovered that the lead singer had passed away suddenly on stage. He was performing his final song when he collapsed on stage.
• My grandma was as dead as a dodo when I visited her last summer. She hadn't spoken to me in years, and it felt like she was just waiting for me to leave.
• When I walked into the room, everyone seemed to be staring at me with blank expressions on their faces. It was like they were all dead as a dodo.
• My friend was so tired from work that he couldn't even keep his eyes open. He was practically dead as a dodo when he got home.
• The last movie we saw together was a horror film, and my heart was racing the whole time. When it ended, I felt like I was dead as a dodo and couldn't move.

Roots and History

The idiom "dead as a dodo" dates back to the 17th century, where the Dodo bird was considered extinct. The phrase was often used to describe someone who had passed away or died suddenly. Over time, the phrase became more figurative and was used to describe anyone who was not moving or active.

Synonyms in English

• Deadpan
• Static
• Inanimate
• Non-moving
• Stillness

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: "muerto" (dead)
• French: "mort" (dead)
• German: "tot" (dead)
• Italian: "morto" (dead)
• Japanese: "死んだ" (died)

Similar Idioms

• damp squib

• drink like a fish

• drop by