Dead as a doornail

Meaning

Completely dead or inactive.

Usage

Used literally or figuratively to describe lifeless things.

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.

References hammered nails that held doors closed and were utterly dead.

Found in 14th century English and popularized by Dickens.