Meaning
To fail completely, stop functioning, suffer defeat, or die.
It is often used humorously or casually when an object breaks or a competitor drops out.
Origin
A very old metaphor appearing in Homer’s ‘Iliad’ and later popularized in Western movies where fallen horseback riders literally hit the dusty ground.
Examples
My old laptop finally bit the dust after seven years of daily use.
Another small startup bit the dust due to fierce market competition.
Their championship hopes bit the dust after losing the semifinal match.
A: Where is your coffee grinder?
B: It bit the dust yesterday, so I need to buy a new one.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Bite the dust' mean?
To fail completely, stop functioning, suffer defeat, or die.
It is often used humorously or casually when an object breaks or a competitor drops out.
How do you say 'Bite the dust' in Russian?
Потерпеть крах
How do you say 'Bite the dust' in Spanish?
Morder el polvo
How do you say 'Bite the dust' in French?
Mordre la poussière