The phrase “(as) dead as a dodo” is a humorous and informal way to describe something that is no longer alive, relevant, or in use. The idiom originates from the dodo, a flightless bird that went extinct in the late 1600s, making it a universal symbol of total extinction or obsolescence.
What does this idiom mean?
Definitions:
- Physically dead: Refers to someone or something that has ceased to exist.
- Outdated or obsolete: Describes ideas, technologies, or trends that are no longer relevant.
Examples of usage
Referring to physical death:
“Yes, Adolf Hitler is really dead—as dead as a dodo.”
“The battery in my phone is dead as a dodo; I need to charge it.”
Describing obsolete ideas or trends:
“That silly old idea is dead as a dodo.”
“Who uses VHS tapes anymore? They’re dead as a dodo.”
Commenting on failing projects:
“The company’s hopes of launching that product are dead as a dodo after the funding fell through.”
“Their proposal was dead as a dodo when the investors backed out.”
How to use this idiom
To emphasize finality:
“After the recent election results, that policy is dead as a dodo.”
To highlight obsolescence:
“Typewriters? Those are dead as a dodo in today’s digital age.”
For dramatic or humorous effect:
“I tried to fix my old car, but it’s dead as a dodo now.”
Similar expressions
- “Pushing up daisies”: Refers to someone who is deceased.
- “Stone-cold dead”: Emphasizes total death or lifelessness.
- “Gone the way of the dinosaurs”: Suggests something has become extinct or outdated.
Conclusion
The idiom “(as) dead as a dodo” effectively conveys the idea of death, obsolescence, or irrelevance in a vivid and lighthearted manner. Whether used to describe outdated trends, extinct species, or failing ventures, this expression brings clarity and a touch of humor to the conversation.
