dead man walking

/dˈɛd mˈan wˈɔːkɪŋ/

/dˈɛd mˈæn wˈɔːkɪŋ/

dead man walking

someone who is prone to lose something that is of great value or importance to them, such as their position, job, title, etc.

What is the origin of the idiom "dead man walking" and when to use it?

The phrase "dead man walking" originated in American prisons in the 20th century, where it was used to alert staff members that a death row inmate was being led to their execution. The phrase was reportedly first used in the 1980s by a corrections officer in Louisiana, and was later popularized by the 1995 movie "Dead Man Walking." The phrase has since been used more broadly to describe a person or group who is in imminent danger of facing a negative consequence or punishment, or who is likely to lose something of great value or importance to them.

a prisoner who is sentenced to death and is about to be executed

What is the origin of the idiom "dead man walking" and when to use it?

The idiom "dead man walking" originated in the context of the American prison system, particularly in reference to death row inmates. It gained significant attention and recognition after the release of the book "Dead Man Walking" by Sister Helen Prejean in 1993. The book recounts her experiences as a spiritual advisor to death row inmates and examines the moral and ethical implications of capital punishment. It can be used in the context of discussing the death penalty, criminal justice, or legal proceedings involving capital offenses.

Examples

1. The scandal has been leaked to the press, and now the politician is a dead man walking.

2. He's been warned about his poor performance, and now he's a dead man walking at the company.

3. He was accused of sexual harassment, and after the investigation, he became a dead man walking at the university.

4. He's a dead man walking.

Nearby words