ENGLISH
REFERENCE

six feet under

idiom
Meaning

Buried underground; not alive; dead.


Origin

disputed origin

Six feet refers to the traditional depth to which graves are dug. (Actual grave depths today may vary.)

Examples
SIMPLE

The old pirate is six feet under now.

CONTEXTUAL

He joked that he would keep working until he was six feet under.

COMPLEX

The secrets of the ancient king remained buried with him, six feet under the dusty earth of the tomb.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    beat feet

    To run.

  2. 02

    deep six

    To discard, get rid of, or cancel; to completely put an end to something.

  3. 03

    drag one's feet

    To procrastinate, put off; to dawdle, avoid, or make progress slowly and reluctantly.

  4. 04

    feet first

    In the manner of a deceased person (i.e., dead).

  5. 05

    feet of clay

    In someone apparently strong and without failings, a hidden weakness which could lead to downfall.

  6. 06

    find one's feet

    To grow in confidence in a new situation as one gains experience.

  7. 07

    foot the bill

    To pay for something.

  8. 08

    foot voting

    Expressing one's preferences through one's actions, by voluntarily participating in or withdrawing from an activity, group, or process; especially, physical migration to leave a situation one does not like, or to move to a situation one regards as more beneficial.

Last updated April 17, 2026