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Synonyms

dead meat

American  

noun

  1. Slang. a person or thing that is dead, doomed, or beyond recovery.


Etymology

Origin of dead meat

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On 6 April, he texted his sister, a baby sleep trainer: "He's dead meat today. Didn't sleep last night after 11.30. Up every, one and a half hours."

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

“It was obvious that if I voted against the resolution that I would be dead meat in the race, just handing them a victory,” he later said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 9, 2021

However, the host allegedly felt as if she were "dead meat," the insider claimed.

From Fox News • Jul. 27, 2021

Bush was considered dead meat in presidential politics afterwards.

From Salon • Jan. 13, 2020

The odor of dead meat came down on the wind, drifting through the trees.

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara

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