The idiom “as still as death” describes a state of complete stillness and silence. The phrase often has ominous or eerie connotations due to its reference to death, invoking an image of an absence of life or movement.
Meaning of “as still as death”
1. Immobility
This idiom signifies absolute physical stillness, often in a moment of intense focus or fear.
Example:
“George sat as still as death all afternoon.”
2. Complete Silence
It can also refer to an environment or situation that is unnaturally quiet.
Example:
“When the storm was over, everything was suddenly still as death.”
Usage and connotations
The phrase is often used to describe moments that feel tense, eerie, or suspenseful. While it may simply emphasize quietness or stillness, the association with death adds a layer of gravity or unease to the description.
Synonyms of “as still as death”
Here are some alternative expressions with similar meanings:
Silent as the grave
“After the argument, the room was silent as the grave.”
Motionless
“He stood there, motionless, not daring to breathe.”
Dead quiet
“The forest was dead quiet after the owl’s call.”
Examples of usage
In physical contexts
“The children were so engrossed in the magician’s act that they sat as still as death.”
In environmental contexts
“After the explosion, the battlefield was still as death, with not a sound to be heard.”
In emotional contexts
“Her fear was so intense that she froze, remaining still as death as the shadow passed by.”
The idiom “as still as death” is a powerful way to emphasize moments of total immobility or silence. Its connection to death lends a dramatic or ominous tone, making it particularly effective in describing tense or eerie situations.
