Definition & Meaning of "bite the dust"

What is the origin of the idiom "bite the dust" and when to use it?

The idiom "bite the dust" is believed to have originated from the Old West during the 19th century, particularly in reference to gunfights and battles. It evokes the image of someone falling to the ground, often in death, and literally biting the dust of the earth as a result of a gunshot wound or some other lethal force. Over time, the expression has evolved to signify someone's demise or defeat in a broader sense, not limited to gunfights.