(as) dead as a doornail
phrase
chiefly US, informal
—used to stress that someone or something is dead
The old captain was dead as a doornail.
—often used figurativelyThe negotiations are as dead as a doornail.
The deal is dead as a doornail.
Cite this Entry
“(as) dead as a doornail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/%28as%29%20dead%20as%20a%20doornail. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
