ENGLISH
REFERENCE

go the way of the dodo

idiom
Meaning

To go extinct or become obsolete or defunct; to fall out of common practice or use; to become a thing of the past.


Origin

disputed origin

The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) was a flightless bird endemic to the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, which is believed to have become extinct in the 17th century due to human activity.

Examples
SIMPLE

Typewriters went the way of the dodo.

CONTEXTUAL

After streaming took over, video rental shops went the way of the dodo within a few years.

COMPLEX

The old customs, once fiercely defended by the elders, gradually went the way of the dodo as younger generations embraced modern ways.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little of something goes a long way

    Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.

  2. 02

    all dressed up and nowhere to go

    Elaborately attired or otherwise fully prepared for an anticipated situation or activity which, nevertheless, fails to occur.

  3. 03

    all systems go

    Everything is ready.

  4. 04

    all the way to Egery and back

    The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.

  5. 05

    as you go

    While one is doing (something); as one progresses.

  6. 06

    boldly go where no man has gone before

    To break new ground.

  7. 07

    by the way

    Irrelevantly, off-topic.

  8. 08

    come a long way

    To make significant progress.

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