PhrasesHub

Pass over to the other side

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • refer to death
        Discuss or mention someone passing away, often in a gentle or euphemistic way

    Examples of Pass over to the other side

    • The surgeon warned the patient that the operation was risky, and if anything went wrong, they might "pass over to the other side."

      This expression is commonly used to describe death or crossing over to the afterlife. In this case, the patient was aware of the potential dangers and implications of the surgery, and the phrase helped to prepare them for the possibility of not waking up from the anesthesia.

    • After months of waiting, the immigration officer finally stamped the traveler's passport and said, "You've passed over to the other side."

      This example uses the idiom in a more literal sense, as it refers to crossing a border or being granted legal entry into a new country. The phrase can also be used to describe passing through customs and the subsequent change in status.

    • The driver signaled for the other car to "pass over to the other side," as she couldn't see very well in the rain.

      In this instance, the phrase is used as a request for another vehicle to move out of the way because the weather was making it difficult to see clearly on the road. It's a polite way of signaling that the driver would appreciate it if the other car moved over to a different lane or pulled over so they could safely pass by.

    • "Passing over to the other side" was how the author described the sensation she experienced after a particularly vivid lucid dream.

      This example showcases how the phrase can be used to describe a sense of transcendence or crossing a threshold into a different state of consciousness, whether it's during sleep or a spiritual experience. It highlights the versatility of the expression and the range of contexts in which it can be used.

    • The boat passed over to the other side of the river as the ferryman skillfully steered it through the choppy waters.

      This idiom is used to describe a physical movement from one side to the other, but it can also have a figurative meaning. In this example, it highlights the boat's journey across the river from one bank to the other.

    • After going through an extensive training program, the candidate passed over to the management team, taking on a more senior role within the company.

      Here, the idiom is used figuratively to indicate a change in responsibility or status. The candidate has moved from one position to a more senior one.

    • The surgeons successfully passed over the patient from the operating theatre to the ICU after the operation was completed.

      This example highlights the transfer of care from one medical team to another. The patient has been moved from the operating theatre to the intensive care unit (ICU) for further treatment.

    • The phone line was faulty, causing calls to pass over to the answering machine.

      This example is another instance where the idiom is used figuratively to describe a technical issue. In this case, calls are being automatically transferred to the answering machine due to a fault in the phone line.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "pass over to the other side" can be used to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or task by cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit. It can also be used to refer to death, discussing or mentioning someone passing away, often in a gentle or euphemistic way.

    Origin of "Pass over to the other side"

    The origin of the idiom "pass over to the other side" can be traced back to ancient beliefs and religious teachings that describe crossing over to the afterlife or another realm. The phrase has been used in various religious and spiritual contexts to describe the transition from life to death, with the idea of moving to a different plane of existence. Over time, the idiom has become a common way to refer to death in a gentle or respectful manner, acknowledging the transition of a person from the earthly realm to another state of being.

    In modern usage, "pass over to the other side" continues to be used as a metaphor for both discouraging someone from pursuing a fruitless endeavor and discussing the delicate topic of death. The idiom reflects the human experience of grappling with mortality and the unknown, while also serving as a reminder to approach life with wisdom and discernment.