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Region: General | Usage example: After the crash he felt like he had one foot in the grave.

One foot in the grave

Meaning

Very close to death.

Usage

Used humorously or seriously about near-death experiences.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Imagery of crossing into the graveyard.

Folkloric imagery used in early 20th-century cautionary tales.

Related Idioms

Shoot yourself in the foot

Harm yourself through your own actions.

Put your best foot forward

Present yourself in the best possible light.

Get off on the right foot

Start something well.

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.