Die a/the death
phrase
To fail, especially in a public or noticeable way.
The play died a death when the lead actor forgot his lines.
Often appears as...
- his joke died a death
- her performance died a death
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be no longer popular or successful.
The fashion trend died a quick death after many criticisms.
Often appears as...
- the trend died a quick death
- his popularity died a sudden death
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To fail, especially in a public or noticeable way.
The play died a death when the lead actor forgot his lines.
Often appears as...
- his joke died a death
- her performance died a death
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be no longer popular or successful.
The fashion trend died a quick death after many criticisms.
Often appears as...
- the trend died a quick death
- his popularity died a sudden death
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Sudden Failure
Indicates an unexpected or abrupt failure, like a venture going bad suddenly.
The restaurant died a death after the food poisoning scandal.
Pro Tip 2/3Visibly Unsuccessful
Used when failure is clearly seen or noticed by others, not hidden or private.
His attempt at public speaking died a death on stage.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
It's a figurative expression and shouldn’t be taken literally; no one actually dies.
The software update died a death due to multiple bugs.
Pro Tip 1/3Sudden Failure
Indicates an unexpected or abrupt failure, like a venture going bad suddenly.
The restaurant died a death after the food poisoning scandal.
Pro Tip 2/3Visibly Unsuccessful
Used when failure is clearly seen or noticed by others, not hidden or private.
His attempt at public speaking died a death on stage.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
It's a figurative expression and shouldn’t be taken literally; no one actually dies.
The software update died a death due to multiple bugs.
Pro Tip 1/3Sudden Failure
Indicates an unexpected or abrupt failure, like a venture going bad suddenly.
The restaurant died a death after the food poisoning scandal.
Pro Tip 2/3Visibly Unsuccessful
Used when failure is clearly seen or noticed by others, not hidden or private.
His attempt at public speaking died a death on stage.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
It's a figurative expression and shouldn’t be taken literally; no one actually dies.
The software update died a death due to multiple bugs.
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