# valley of death

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/valley-of-death
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A place of great danger.

## Examples

- The soldiers had to cross the valley of death to reach safety.
- The explorers knew that entering the dark, narrow canyon felt like walking into a valley of death.
- After the army retreated, the abandoned territory became a true valley of death for anyone foolish enough to remain behind.

## Origin

Attested as a likely derivation from the Old Testament, the phrase finds its origin in Psalm 23. It represents a compression of the biblical valley of the shadow of death, appearing in English contexts without the qualifying shadow.

---

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.