What does “Bite the dust” mean?
"Bite the dust" means to fail or be defeated.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After a long battle, the enemy finally bit the dust.
Example
The company's new product didn't sell well and quickly bit the dust.
Example
Despite their best efforts, the team bit the dust in the championship game
Is “Bite the dust” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Bite the dust” 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 “Bite the dust” effectively in context?
You can use "Bite the Dust" to describe a situation where someone or something fails or is defeated. It emphasizes the idea of a sudden and complete failure. For example, if a sports team loses a game by a large margin, you might say, 'They really bit the dust in that match.'
- 1Sports
Despite their best efforts, the team bit the dust in the championship game.
- 2Business
The company's new product didn't sell well and quickly bit the dust.
- 3Warfare
After a long battle, the enemy finally bit the dust.
Similar phrases to “Bite the dust”:
Crash and burn
To fail spectacularly or completely
Example
The ambitious business venture crashed and burned, leaving them with huge losses.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Bite the dust” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Bite the Dust" is unknown.
Is “Bite the dust” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Bite the Dust" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe failures or defeats in various contexts.
What tone does “Bite the dust” have?
"Bite the Dust" conveys a tone of disappointment or resignation. It implies that the failure or defeat was significant and final.
Can “Bite the dust” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Bite the Dust" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in casual conversations as well as in more professional or academic contexts.
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 project didn't go as planned and bit the dust.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Well, it bit the dust!' to express disappointment or resignation.
