# shuffle off this mortal coil

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/shuffle-off-this-mortal-coil
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To die; to divest oneself of one's mortal body.

## Examples

- He feared he would shuffle off this mortal coil alone.
- The old king knew he would soon shuffle off this mortal coil, so he called his children to his bedside.
- In the dim candlelight of the tower, the weary knight whispered that he was ready to shuffle off this mortal coil and join his fallen brothers in whatever peace awaited beyond.

## Origin

From Hamlet by William Shakespeare, see mortal coil.

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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.