Words With Alternate Meanings #2

Previously, we saw the word “dead” used as a substitute for the word “very” in the term “dead serious”.

Of course, we know that “dead” means: no longer living/alive.

But, from time to time, you may hear other uses for the word “dead”:

Dead Wrong: completely wrong

Example: He thought he would not lose his job, but he was “dead wrong”.

(the) Dead Center (of): the center-most point (of something)

Example: She stood in the “dead center” of the room, observing everyone around her.

(to be) Dead Meat: to be in very serious trouble.

Example: After he stole money from her, she screamed to John, “You’re dead meat!”

Dead Drunk: extremely drunk, to the point of passing out.

Example:  After drinking more sake than anyone else, Tanaka-san was “dead drunk”.

Dead Weight: in a larger group, a person or group who does not contribute. Or, someone who prevents others from moving forward/advancing (in an activity/job/etc.)

Example:  Tom never has the presentation ready on time. He’s just “dead weight”.

Drop Dead: general insulting retort. (Used to mean, “Die!”)

Example: “Your dress is particularly ugly today.”

                  “Drop dead!”

Drop-Dead Gorgeous: Breathtakingly beautiful.

Example: That movie actress is “drop dead gorgeous”.

Dead on my Feet: extremely tired, to the point of collapsing

Example:  After working a double shift, I am “dead on my feet”.

Dead End: of an activity, an insurmountable obstacle. Or:  An end of a road or passage from which no exit is possible

Example: She took a wrong turn while driving and came to a “dead end”.

Dead Ringer: something that could be confused for something else, due to close appearance, characteristics, etc.

Example: You are a “dead ringer” for your brother.

Over (One’s) Dead Body: interjection used to mean that something will not happen (unless one is dead and cannot prevent it.)

Example:  “Dad, will you buy me another car, since I wrecked my last one?”

                   “You’ll get a new car “over my dead body!”

Brain Dead: unintelligent; unwise; incapable of thinking logically.

Example:  Why can’t I remember algebraic equations?!?! I am so “brain dead”!

And, of course, there are other uses as well. But, these are some that I hear the most.  I hope you find this “dead useful” (very useful). Hehe （*/∇＼*）