What does “At death's door” mean?
"At death's door" means that someone is extremely ill or close to dying.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After the accident, he was at death's door and needed immediate medical attention.
Example
The patient's condition worsened overnight and now she is at death's door.
Example
The hiker was lost in the wilderness for days and was at death's door when rescuers finally found him
Is “At death's door” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“At death's door” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “At death's door” effectively in context?
You can use "At Death's Door" to describe someone who is in a very critical condition or close to dying. It emphasizes the severity of the situation and the urgency for medical attention or intervention. For example, if a friend is seriously ill, you might say, 'He's been in the hospital for weeks and is at death's door.'
- 1Health
After the accident, he was at death's door and needed immediate medical attention.
- 2Medical Emergencies
The patient's condition worsened overnight and now he is at death's door.
- 3Survival
The hiker was lost in the wilderness for days and was at death's door when rescuers finally found him.
Similar phrases to “At death's door”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “At death's door” come from?
The origin of the phrase "At Death's Door" is unknown.
Is “At death's door” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "At Death's Door" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe someone's critical condition or to emphasize the seriousness of a situation.
What tone does “At death's door” have?
"At Death's Door" conveys a tone of extreme urgency and seriousness. It is used to describe life-threatening situations and the need for immediate action or intervention.
Can “At death's door” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "At Death's Door" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a powerful expression that highlights the gravity of a situation. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal contexts such as medical discussions or reports.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The patient is at death's door and requires immediate attention.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's at death's door!' to imply a critical condition.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- critical condition
- near death
- close to dying
- on the verge of death
- in a life-or-death situation
Antonyms
- healthy
- safe and sound
- alive and well
- in good shape
- out of danger
