ENGLISH
REFERENCE

toes up

idiom
Meaning

dead, killed


Origin

disputed origin

From toes + up, in reference to a corpse lying on its back.

Examples
SIMPLE

The old computer finally went toes up this morning.

CONTEXTUAL

The car went toes up in the middle of the highway, leaving us stranded for hours.

COMPLEX

After the engine sputtered and went toes up during the storm, the captain realized they were drifting toward the rocks.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    cock one's toes

    To die.

  2. 02

    dip a toe into

    Alternative form of dip one's toe in.

  3. 03

    dip one's toe in

    To explore or begin; to enter or get involved in tentatively and for the first time.

  4. 04

    head to toe

    Entirely; completely; over one's full body.

  5. 05

    keep someone on their toes

    To keep someone attentive, active, busy or alert.

  6. 06

    step on someone's toes

    To cause someone offense, especially by trying to control something that is under their authority, or interfering in their private affairs.

  7. 07

    toe the line

    To abide by the rules or conventions; (politics, in particular) to follow the party line.

  8. 08

    tread on someone's toes

    To offend someone.

Last updated April 17, 2026