death knell
The phrase "death knell" historically refers to the ringing of a bell to announce a death, but it has evolved to symbolize the end or failure of something.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1General
(figurative, common)An event or sign indicating the impending end or failure of something.
Example
- The loss of their biggest client was the death knell for the company.
- Some believe that the rise of digital media sounded the death knell for print newspapers.
B2Historical
(literal, archaic)The ringing of a bell to announce a death or funeral.
Example
- The death knell echoed through the village, marking the passing of the beloved elder.
- In medieval times, the death knell was an important ritual to honor the deceased.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "death knell":
death rattlekiss of deathnail in one's coffinalarm belldeath throedeath spiralwarning bell