“Give up the ghost” is an idiomatic expression that means to stop trying, to cease functioning, or to die. It is often used to describe something that no longer works or operates as intended, whether it’s a machine, a plan, or even a person. The phrase has its origins in the biblical phrase “to give up the ghost,” which refers to the soul leaving the body at the time of death. Over time, the expression has evolved to be used in various contexts, indicating surrender, defeat, or the end of something’s ability to function.
Sample Sentences:
- After years of constant repairs, the old car finally gave up the ghost and refused to start.
- He tried to fix the broken computer, but it gave up the ghost for good.
- The project gave up the ghost when the funding ran out and the team disbanded.
- The negotiations seemed promising at first, but they gave up the ghost after both sides failed to reach an agreement.
- After the final blow, the idea gave up the ghost and was abandoned by all involved.
- The struggling company eventually gave up the ghost and filed for bankruptcy.
- My phone gave up the ghost last night, so now I’m stuck without a way to contact anyone.
- After trying to push through the exhausting day, I finally gave up the ghost and took a nap.
- His attempt to start a new business gave up the ghost after a few months of poor sales.
- When the team’s spirits were low, they almost gave up the ghost on the tournament.
Synonyms:
- Cease functioning
- Break down
- Die
- Fail
- Surrender
- Collapse
- Stop working
- Go kaput
- Fall apart
- Perish
Antonyms:
- Revive
- Persist
- Continue
- Keep going
- Endure
- Function
- Survive
- Thrive
- Flourish
- Hold on
Phrasal Verbs:
- Give up (to stop trying or to quit)
- Break down (to stop working or to fail)
- Pass away (to die or cease to exist)
- Fade away (to gradually become weaker or cease)
- Run out of steam (to lose energy or to stop functioning effectively)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Call it quits (to stop trying or to give up)
- Throw in the towel (to surrender or give up)
- Hit a dead end (to reach a point where progress is no longer possible)
- Throw in the sponge (another way of saying to surrender or give up)
- Bite the dust (to die or cease functioning)
- Go the way of the dodo (to become obsolete or extinct)
- Run its course (to reach a natural end or completion)
- Rest in peace (to die, often used to express the end of something or someone)
- Kick the bucket (a casual expression for dying)
- Come to an end (to stop or finish)
