Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
dead-as-a-doornail
idiom
/dɛd æz ə ˈdɔrnˌneɪl/
Definition
A phrase used to describe something that is unquestionably dead or lifeless.
Examples
- After the last season, the show’s fanbase was dead-as-a-doornail.
- When he heard the news, his excitement was dead-as-a-doornail.
- The company’s sales were dead-as-a-doornail after the product recall.
Meaning
The expression suggests that something is so dead that it is beyond any doubt. It is often used metaphorically to indicate that a person, idea, or situation is completely unresponsive or inactive.
Synonyms
- completely dead
- lifeless
- inactive
