Give up the ghost definitions
| Word backwards | evig pu eht tsohg |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | "Give up the ghost" is a verb phrase. |
| Syllabic division | give up the ghost Syllable separation: give up the ghost |
| Plural | "Give up the ghost" is an idiomatic phrase and does not have a plural form. |
| Total letters | 14 |
| Vogais (4) | i,e,u,o |
| Consonants (6) | g,v,p,t,h,s |
Give up the ghost is a phrase that originated from the Bible, specifically from the Book of Acts. It is commonly used to describe someone passing away or dying.
Give signifies letting go or surrendering, while up the ghost refers to the spirit or soul leaving the body at the moment of death. This expression is often used in a figurative sense to indicate the end of something or someone.
Origin of the Phrase
The phrase "give up the ghost" comes from the King James Version of the Bible, which translates the Greek word "ekpneÅ" in Acts 12:23 as "gave up the ghost." This passage describes the sudden death of Herod Agrippa I after being struck down by an angel of the Lord.
Usage in Literature
Throughout history, this phrase has been used in various works of literature to convey the idea of death or the end of a person or thing. Writers often use it to add a dramatic or poetic flair to their writing.
Symbolism and Meaning
Metaphorically, giving up the ghost can represent the release of one's spirit or essence, whether through death, surrender, or letting go of something. It can also signify the finality of a situation or the conclusion of a chapter in one's life.
In conclusion, give up the ghost is a powerful expression that carries deep meaning and symbolizes the transition from life to death or the end of something significant. Its origin in biblical text adds to its weight and significance in language and literature.
Give up the ghost Examples
- After years of use, my old car finally gave up the ghost.
- When the power went out, the flashlight gave up the ghost.
- The laptop had been acting up for weeks before it finally gave up the ghost.
- The old TV finally gave up the ghost after decades of service.
- The worn-out washing machine gave up the ghost during a spin cycle.
- The boat's engine unexpectedly gave up the ghost in the middle of the lake.
- The ancient air conditioner finally gave up the ghost during a heatwave.
- The vacuum cleaner gave up the ghost while trying to clean up a big mess.
- The clock on the wall suddenly gave up the ghost and stopped ticking.
- The printer started making strange noises before giving up the ghost completely.