What does “Give up the ghost” mean?
"Give up the ghost" means to stop trying or to stop functioning.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After months of trying to fix the old car, he finally gave up the ghost and bought a new one.
Example
The team gave up the ghost after losing their fifth game in a row.
Example
She gave up the ghost on her dream of becoming a professional dancer and pursued a different career path
Is “Give up the ghost” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Give up the ghost” 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 “Give up the ghost” effectively in context?
You can use "Give up the ghost" to express the idea of giving up or quitting something, whether it's a task, a goal, or even a machine that stops working. Here are three distinct situations where you can effectively use this phrase:
- 1Frustration
After months of trying to fix the old car, he finally gave up the ghost and bought a new one.
- 2Defeat
The team gave up the ghost after losing their fifth game in a row.
- 3Change of Plans
She gave up the ghost on her dream of becoming a professional dancer and pursued a different career path.
Similar phrases to “Give up the ghost”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Give up the ghost” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Give up the ghost" can be traced back to the Bible. In the King James Version, it is mentioned in the Book of Acts, where Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is described as having 'given up the ghost' after being stoned to death. Over time, the phrase has evolved to mean 'to stop trying or to stop functioning.'
Is “Give up the ghost” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Give up the ghost" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to convey the idea of giving up or quitting something, whether it's a personal endeavor or a mechanical failure.
What tone does “Give up the ghost” have?
"Give up the ghost" conveys a tone of resignation or acceptance. It implies that the person or thing has reached a point where further effort or functioning is no longer possible or worthwhile.
Can “Give up the ghost” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Give up the ghost" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After struggling for years, he finally gave up the ghost and closed his business.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "give up the ghost"!' to imply giving up on a difficult task.
