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