PhrasesHub

Elvis has left the building

    Definitions

      • someone has left or departed from a certain place or situation
        Used to inform that a person has exited or departed from a particular location or situation, often in a dramatic or final manner. Can also be used figuratively to indicate the end or conclusion of an event or situation.

      • the excitement or energy has died down
        Used to convey that a previously lively or energetic situation or event has come to an end, usually due to the departure of a key person or element. Can also be used to express disappointment or dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.

    Examples of Elvis has left the building

    • The crowd cheered as the announcer declared, "Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building!"

      This idiom is used to indicate that a famous or popular person has finished performing or has left a place, especially a crowded or exciting venue. It suggests that the person's departure has been noticed and celebrated by the audience.

    • After the concert, the fans lingered in the arena, but deep down, they all knew that Elvis had left the building.

      This usage shows that the idiom can also be used figuratively to describe the end of an event or activity, even if the person in question has not actually left the building. It implies that the event has come to a close and that the excitement or energy has dissipated.

    • The politician gave a rousing speech, but when he finished, the crowd murmured, "Elvis has left the building."

      This example demonstrates that the idiom can be used sarcastically or ironically to suggest that a person's departure was unexpectedly underwhelming or anticlimactic, despite the buildup or hype surrounding their presence.

    • The star athlete scored a goal, and the announcer exclaimed, "Elvis has left the building!"

      This usage shows that the idiom can be applied to any situation where a person or event has come to a close, not just to famous performers or celebrities. It can be used to describe the end of a game, a competition, or any other activity.

    • The teacher dismissed the students, and the hallway echoed with the sound of lockers slamming shut. The janitor smiled and said, "Elvis has left the building."

      This example demonstrates that the idiom can be used to describe the end of a routine or mundane activity, such as the end of a school day or the closing of a business. It suggests that the activity has come to a close and that the energy or excitement has dissipated.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Elvis has left the building" can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. In its literal sense, it indicates someone physically leaving a place or situation. This can be used in a variety of settings, from a concert where the performer has finished their set to a party where the host has decided to call it a night. In these cases, the phrase is used to inform others of the departure and typically carries a sense of finality.

    In a figurative sense, the idiom can be used to convey that the energy or excitement of a situation has dissipated. This could be due to the departure of a key person or element, or simply the natural conclusion of an event. This usage can also carry a sense of disappointment or dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, as if the person or element that has "left the building" was the main source of enjoyment or energy.

    Origin of "Elvis has left the building"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 1950s when it was popularized by the radio and television announcer Al Dvorin. He would use the phrase to inform the audience that Elvis Presley had exited the building after a performance. Over time, the phrase caught on and became a well-known saying associated with Presley's concerts.

    The phrase gained even more popularity after Presley's death in 1977. It was often used to pay tribute to the iconic performer and his impact on music and pop culture. Today, the phrase is still widely used in popular culture and has become a part of everyday language to indicate someone leaving a situation or the end of an event.