# knocking on heaven's door

idiom

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

## Meaning

Dying, 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 winter storm raged outside, the frail traveler realized he was knocking on heaven's door and accepted his final moments.

---

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.