ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have the biscuit

idiom
Meaning

To be of no further use; to be near death.

Origin

disputed origin

From have + the + biscuit (“Communion wafer”).

Examples
SIMPLE

The old car finally had the biscuit.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of constant repairs, the washing machine finally had the biscuit and stopped working entirely.

COMPLEX

The ancient engine sputtered one last time before it had the biscuit, leaving the travelers stranded in the middle of the desert.

Anchors to
Related idioms3entries
  1. 01

    bite the biscuit

    To undertake an unpleasant task or to acknowledge an unfavorable situation or responsibility; bite the bullet.

  2. 02

    risk it for the biscuit

    To take a risk for the chance of some benefit or reward.

  3. 03

    take the biscuit

    To be particularly bad, objectionable, or egregious.

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