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Region: General | Usage example: His startup bit the dust after the funding fell through.

Bite the dust

Meaning

Fail or suffer defeat.

Usage

Used for dramatic endings or casualties.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Battlefield imagery of falling defeated soldiers.

Used since the 16th century and popularized in military reports.

Related Idioms

Bite the bullet

Accept an unpleasant task or situation that cannot be avoided.

All bark and no bite

Someone who talks tough but is harmless or unlikely to act.

Bite the hand that feeds you

Harm or disrespect someone who supports you.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.