Have one foot in the grave
phrase
To be very close to death or the end of something, usually because of illness or old age.
After his heart attack, he looked like he had one foot in the grave.
Often appears as...
- looks like he has one foot in the grave
- feels like she has one foot in the grave
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be in a very bad situation that seems likely to end soon.
After the latest financial report, it seemed like the company had one foot in the grave.
Often appears as...
- company has one foot in the grave
- career has one foot in the grave
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be very close to death or the end of something, usually because of illness or old age.
After his heart attack, he looked like he had one foot in the grave.
Often appears as...
- looks like he has one foot in the grave
- feels like she has one foot in the grave
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be in a very bad situation that seems likely to end soon.
After the latest financial report, it seemed like the company had one foot in the grave.
Often appears as...
- company has one foot in the grave
- career has one foot in the grave
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
This phrase often conveys bad news or a sad state, so use it sensitively.
After visiting the hospital, it seemed Uncle Joe had one foot in the grave.
Pro Tip 2/3Humorous Undertone
Sometimes used jokingly among friends about minor ailments or getting older.
Already tired at 9 PM? You've got one foot in the grave, huh?
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase is not literal; it emphasizes that someone or something is nearing its end.
With his failing health, grandpa joked he had one foot in the grave.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
This phrase often conveys bad news or a sad state, so use it sensitively.
After visiting the hospital, it seemed Uncle Joe had one foot in the grave.
Pro Tip 2/3Humorous Undertone
Sometimes used jokingly among friends about minor ailments or getting older.
Already tired at 9 PM? You've got one foot in the grave, huh?
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase is not literal; it emphasizes that someone or something is nearing its end.
With his failing health, grandpa joked he had one foot in the grave.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
This phrase often conveys bad news or a sad state, so use it sensitively.
After visiting the hospital, it seemed Uncle Joe had one foot in the grave.
Pro Tip 2/3Humorous Undertone
Sometimes used jokingly among friends about minor ailments or getting older.
Already tired at 9 PM? You've got one foot in the grave, huh?
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase is not literal; it emphasizes that someone or something is nearing its end.
With his failing health, grandpa joked he had one foot in the grave.
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