PhrasesHub

As dead as a dodo

    Definitions

      • completely lifeless or extinct
        Describing something or someone as completely devoid of life, energy, or vitality, often used in a humorous or exaggerated manner

      • obsolete or outdated
        Referring to something that is no longer relevant or useful, often used in a negative or dismissive context

      • doomed or hopeless
        Indicating that a situation or outcome is inevitable and cannot be changed, often used in a resigned or defeatist tone

    Examples of As dead as a dodo

    • The old computer in the corner of the room was as dead as a dodo.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is completely useless or no longer functioning. The dodo bird is an extinct bird that became extinct due to a lack of ability to adapt to its environment. The phrase "as dead as a dodo" means that the computer is as good as dead and cannot be used anymore.ORIGIN: The dodo bird became extinct in the late 17th century, and since then, the phrase "as dead as a dodo" has been used to describe something that is completely useless or no longer functioning.ALTERNATIVE PHRASES: "completely dead," "not working at all," "totally useless."

    • The battery in my car was as dead as a dodo.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is completely useless or no longer functioning. The dodo bird is an extinct bird that became extinct due to a lack of ability to adapt to its environment. The phrase "as dead as a dodo" means that the battery in the car is as good as dead and cannot be used anymore.ORIGIN: The dodo bird became extinct in the late 17th century, and since then, the phrase "as dead as a dodo" has been used to describe something that is completely useless or no longer functioning.ALTERNATIVE PHRASES: "completely dead," "not working at all," "totally useless."

    • The project that my team has been working on for months is as dead as a dodo.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is completely useless or no longer functioning. The dodo bird is an extinct bird that became extinct due to a lack of ability to adapt to its environment. The phrase "as dead as a dodo" means that the project that the team has been working on for months is as good as dead and cannot be completed anymore.ORIGIN: The dodo bird became extinct in the late 17th century, and since then, the phrase "as dead as a dodo" has been used to describe something that is completely useless or no longer functioning.ALTERNATIVE PHRASES: "completely dead," "not working at all," "totally useless."

    • The meeting that we had yesterday was as dead as a dodo.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is completely useless or no longer functioning. The dodo bird is an extinct bird that became extinct due to a lack of ability to adapt to its environment. The phrase "as dead as a dodo" means that the meeting that was held yesterday is as good as dead and cannot be reconsidered anymore.ORIGIN: The dodo bird became extinct in the late 17th century, and since then, the phrase "as dead as a dodo" has been used to describe something that is completely useless or no longer functioning.ALTERNATIVE PHRASES: "completely dead," "not working at all," "totally useless."

    • The business idea that I had was as dead as a dodo.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is completely useless or no longer functioning. The dodo bird is an extinct bird that became extinct due to a lack of ability to adapt to its environment. The phrase "as dead as a dodo" means that the business idea that was proposed is as good as dead and cannot be implemented anymore.ORIGIN: The dodo bird became extinct in the late 17th century, and since then, the phrase "as dead as a dodo" has been used to describe something that is completely useless or no longer functioning.ALTERNATIVE PHRASES: "completely dead," "not working at all," "totally useless."


    Conclusion

    The idiom "as dead as a dodo" is primarily used to convey the idea of something or someone being completely lifeless or extinct. It can also be used to describe something that is outdated or obsolete, as well as a situation that is doomed or hopeless.

    In all of these interpretations, the idiom is used figuratively and not meant to be taken literally. It is a playful and often humorous way of expressing the idea of something being completely devoid of life or energy.

    Origin of "As dead as a dodo"

    The phrase "as dead as a dodo" originated from the now extinct flightless bird, the dodo. The dodo was native to the island of Mauritius and became extinct in the late 17th century due to hunting and habitat destruction by humans. The word "dodo" itself is thought to have derived from the Portuguese word "doudo," meaning foolish or simple, as the bird was not known for its intelligence.

    The use of the phrase in its current form is believed to have originated in the 19th century. It was first recorded in a collection of proverbs and idioms by author William Carew Hazlitt in 1869. The dodo's extinction and its association with foolishness and simplicity likely contributed to the development of the idiom's meaning.

    Today, the phrase is commonly used in English-speaking countries and has become a well-known idiom for describing something or someone as completely lifeless or obsolete. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our environment and the consequences of human actions on the natural world.