student asking question

What does "consigned to oblivion" mean? Is it a common phrase?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"Consign" means to give someone/something over to someone/something's care. "Oblivion" means a lack of awareness or consciousness. I believe "consigned to oblivion" means to be lost forever; no longer aware of something. In the address, he is hoping that the faults of his country will be gone. It's not a common phrase used in daily conversation but is usually used in funerals when someone dies, i.e., consigned (given over) to the earth.

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