dead man walking
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents
English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
A phrase traditionally used in U.S. prisons to announce a condemned prisoner being walked to the place of execution.[1] Its use has expanded as a euphemism for anyone facing an impending and unavoidable loss.
Noun[edit]
dead man walking (plural dead men walking)
- A condemned prisoner walking to a death chamber or other place of execution.
- Someone who is soon to die.
- Someone who is about to face an unavoidable loss (though the person may not realize it). When used in this way it is a metaphor comparing this loss to dying.
References[edit]
- ^ “dead man walking” in Collins English Dictionary
