At death’s door

usgb
phrase

Very sick and near death.

After her long battle with cancer, she was at death's door.
Visual representation of "at death’s door" - Very sick and near death

Often appears as...

  • knocking at death's door
  • standing at death's door

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "at death’s door"
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Figurative Use

The phrase is not always literal, can imply someone is extremely weak or exhausted.

Illustration for Figurative Use
After running the marathon, he felt like he was at death's door.
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Emotional Weight

The phrase carries heavy emotional connotations, use with sensitivity to others' feelings.

Illustration for Emotional Weight
I avoided saying she was at death's door to not upset her family.
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Dramatic Flair

It can be used dramatically to emphasize dire situations, not just concerning health.

Illustration for Dramatic Flair
After the company's huge loss, it was at death's door financially.
Visual representation of the word "At death’s door"

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