give up the ghost

1. Die, as in At ten o'clock he gave up the ghost. This expression, which employs ghost in the sense of “the soul or spirit,” may itself be dying out. [Late 1300s]

Example Sentences

Enduring the dour drudgery of “Last Rites,” it’s never been clearer that it’s time to give up the ghost.

From Los Angeles Times

And in that sense, the best thing the governor ever did for his political career was to finally give up the ghost.

From Slate

Entering the penultimate month of a dire 2022, world equity indices don't want to give up the ghost yet on the near 10% rebound since Oct.

From Reuters

You’ll give up the ghost first.

From New York Times

They'd gasped at Nkunku's miss, held their head in their hands anew when he missed again with a back-post header and may have started to give up the ghost entirely when McGregor beat Tyler Adams' shot away soon after.

From BBC

Related Words

• bow 
• break down 
• buckle 
• capitulate 
• cave in 
• cease 
• defer 
• give in 
• give way 
• go down 
• pass away 
• perish 
• quit 
• wilt 
• yield