What does “Death pays all debts.” mean?
"Death pays all debts" means that when a person dies, all their debts are considered paid, and they are no longer accountable for them.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I know I owe you money, but death pays all debts. So technically, I don't have to pay you back.
Example
He was a notorious gambler who owed a lot of money to various people. Unfortunately, he died before he could pay them back. Well, death pays all debts, right?
Example
She was burdened with a huge student loan debt, but she found solace in the saying death pays all debts. At least she wouldn't have to worry about it anymore after she passed away
Is “Death pays all debts.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Death pays all debts.” 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 “Death pays all debts.” effectively in context?
You can use "Death pays all debts" to express the idea that when a person dies, they are no longer responsible for any financial or moral obligations they had in life. It implies that death brings an end to all debts and absolves the person from any accountability. For example, if someone is complaining about not being repaid a loan, you might say, 'Well, "death pays all debts", so don't expect to get your money back.'
- 1Financial Obligations
I know I owe you money, but death pays all debts. So technically, I don't have to pay you back.
- 2Unpaid Debts
He was a notorious gambler who owed a lot of money to various people. Unfortunately, he died before he could pay them back. Well, death pays all debts, right?
- 3Relief from Debt
She was burdened with a huge student loan debt, but she found solace in the saying death pays all debts. At least she wouldn't have to worry about it anymore after she passed away.
Similar phrases to “Death pays all debts.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Death pays all debts.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Death pays all debts" is unknown.
Is “Death pays all debts.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Death pays all debts" is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is more often encountered in literature or philosophical discussions about mortality and the concept of debt.
What tone does “Death pays all debts.” have?
"Death pays all debts" conveys a tone of resignation and acceptance. It acknowledges the finality of death and the release from obligations that come with it.
Can “Death pays all debts.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "death pays all debts" is relatively formal and may not be suitable for casual conversations. It is more likely to be used in serious discussions or in writing, such as essays or articles on philosophical or ethical topics.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Despite owing a significant amount of money, he believed that "death pays all debts".' However, in certain contexts, it can be understood even if used alone, such as responding to someone's complaint about unpaid debts by simply saying '"Death pays all debts".'
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- no debts in the afterlife
- obligations vanish with death
- death erases all debts
- the grave settles all accounts
- debts are buried with the dead
Antonyms
- debts live on
- responsibility remains after death
- obligations persist beyond the grave
- the deceased are still accountable
- debts haunt the departed
