Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

dead-man-walking

noun

/ˈdɛd mæn ˈwɔːkɪŋ/

Definition

A phrase used to describe a convicted person who is awaiting execution or someone who is considered to be in a hopeless situation.

Examples

After losing his job and having no prospects, he felt like a dead-man-walking.
The prisoner was labeled a dead-man-walking as he awaited his execution date.
In the competitive market, without innovation, they might as well be dead-men-walking.

Meaning

The term illustrates the idea of someone who is alive but is certain to face imminent death or a dire consequence, often used metaphorically in various contexts.