Bite the dust
verb
To die or be killed.
In the film, many characters bite the dust before the end.
Often appears as...
- many bite the dust
- few bite the dust
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To fall down, often because of being defeated.
The champion made his opponent bite the dust in the third round.
Often appears as...
- make someone bite the dust
- made them bite the dust
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To die or be killed.
In the film, many characters bite the dust before the end.
Often appears as...
- many bite the dust
- few bite the dust
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To fall down, often because of being defeated.
The champion made his opponent bite the dust in the third round.
Often appears as...
- make someone bite the dust
- made them bite the dust
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Death Context
Used when discussing death in a casual or joking way, not suitable for serious or formal occasions.
After that long hike, I feel like I'm ready to bite the dust!
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
It's a metaphorical expression and does not involve actual dust or biting.
With the company losing money, it might soon bite the dust.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Reference
Often found in Western movies or books during fight scenes or battles.
One by one, the outlaws bit the dust in the final shootout.
Pro Tip 1/3Death Context
Used when discussing death in a casual or joking way, not suitable for serious or formal occasions.
After that long hike, I feel like I'm ready to bite the dust!
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
It's a metaphorical expression and does not involve actual dust or biting.
With the company losing money, it might soon bite the dust.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Reference
Often found in Western movies or books during fight scenes or battles.
One by one, the outlaws bit the dust in the final shootout.
Pro Tip 1/3Death Context
Used when discussing death in a casual or joking way, not suitable for serious or formal occasions.
After that long hike, I feel like I'm ready to bite the dust!
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
It's a metaphorical expression and does not involve actual dust or biting.
With the company losing money, it might soon bite the dust.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Reference
Often found in Western movies or books during fight scenes or battles.
One by one, the outlaws bit the dust in the final shootout.
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