# lose the number of one's mess

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lose-the-number-of-ones-mess
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To die, to perish.

## Examples

- The old soldier finally lost the number of his mess.
- After a long and difficult life, the captain eventually lost the number of his mess in his sleep.
- The weary traveler, having survived countless battles, finally lost the number of his mess amidst the quiet solitude of the winter woods.

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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.