# knock on heaven's door

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/knock-on-heavens-door
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To die or be close to death.

## Examples

- The old dog is knocking on heaven's door.
- The doctor told the family that their grandfather was knocking on heaven's door after his long illness.
- As the storm raged outside and his strength faded, the weary traveler realized he was finally knocking on heaven's door.

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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.