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bite the dust
/baɪt ðə dʌst/◆idiom
to fail or die
After years of success, the company finally bit the dust.
The company failed after many years.
informal
to fail completely or die
The old laptop bit the dust after years of use.
The old laptop stopped working completely.
Many startups bite the dust within their first year.
Many startups fail within their first year.
Often used for machines, businesses, or people in informal contexts.
Collocations
bite the dustfail or diewatch something bite the dustsee something fail
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid Literal Interpretation
This phrase is never used to describe someone literally biting dust. Focus on the figurative meaning of failure or death.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Use 'bite the dust' for machines, businesses, or people when they fail or die. It’s not suitable for abstract concepts like 'a plan failed.'
Word Origin
The phrase dates back to ancient times, where dust was associated with death or defeat. The literal image of biting dust suggests a final, humiliating end (e.g., a fallen warrior biting the ground). By the 18th century, it evolved into a metaphor for failure or death.
Usage Notes
Common in informal speech and writing. Avoid using in formal or professional contexts where literal language is preferred.
Word Breakdown
bite
to grip with teeth
verbthe dust
ground or dirt
noun phraseEnglish Dictionary