PUSHING DAISIES Meaning and
Definition
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"Pushing daisies" is a colloquial expression that originated in English-speaking regions, often used idiomatically to describe someone who is deceased or has died. This phrase is typically employed in a gentle or lighthearted manner to refer to a person who has passed away, especially when the speaker aims to use a euphemism instead of directly saying the word "dead" or "deceased."
The term "pushing daisies" is derived from the visual image of a deceased person being buried in a grave, where daisies or other flowers may be growing above the burial site. By saying someone is "pushing daisies," it implies that they are physically beneath the ground, as if their bodies are pushing the flowers up from beneath. The phrase evokes the idea of a person's body decomposing and returning to the earth, as the daisies continue to grow above them.
The figurative nature of "pushing daisies" allows it to serve as a euphemism for death, offering a less stark or direct way to discuss mortality. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from informal conversations between friends to more light-hearted discussions about death in art, literature, or entertainment. Overall, "pushing daisies" is a colorful phrase used to convey the finality of death in a playful or softened manner.
Common Misspellings for PUSHING DAISIES
Etymology of PUSHING DAISIES
The term "pushing daisies" is an idiomatic expression that means someone is deceased or has died. It is derived from a combination of two phrases: "pushing up daisies" and "shuffling off this mortal coil".
1. "Pushing up daisies" is an expression that originated in the 19th century. It refers to the idea that when a person is buried in the ground, the act of decomposition will eventually cause daisies or other flowers to grow above their grave. The phrase implies being at rest or in the afterlife.
2. "Shuffling off this mortal coil" is a phrase coined by William Shakespeare in the play Hamlet. It refers to the act of dying or passing away. The phrase "mortal coil" alludes to the struggles and burdens of earthly existence that one sheds upon death.
