# go over to the majority

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/go-over-to-the-majority
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To die.

## Examples

- The old king finally went over to the majority.
- After a long and difficult illness, the grandfather went over to the majority in his sleep.
- The historian noted that many of the revolutionary leaders had already gone over to the majority by the time the war ended.

## Origin

The idiom alludes to the numerical superiority of the deceased over the living. It is a euphemism for death based on the demographic observation that the majority of human beings who have ever existed are no longer present to discuss the matter. The living are, by comparison, a distinct and somewhat outnumbered minority.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.