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Give Up the Ghost

Give Up the Ghost

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Give Up the Ghost--Sunset rays over a field and under dark cloudsFor years, I knew only one meaning for give up the ghost. However, according to The Free Dictionary, the expression has at least three. All three mean an end.

To give up the ghost means to die.

This was the definition I knew. Other death idioms include:

The Free Dictionary further explains, “The ghost here is the soul … separated from the body upon death.”

To give up the ghost also means something stops working.

No physical possession lasts forever. All eventually wear out. Therefore, we must keep buying:

  • Appliances
  • Cars
  • Phones

To give up the ghost also means to quit trying.

We cancel plans we think will fail. This may include:

  • Work
  • Trips
  • Special events

Although our bodies die, our souls can soar!

We choose our destination for this life and life after we give up the ghost. If we accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, we have the promise of an everlasting home in heaven.

“Man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?” (Job 14:10 KJV).

Thanks to Bobbie Smith Bryant for the suggestion.

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Bought the Farm

Bought the Farm

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Bought the farm-a large farm with house, barns, and other buildingsThe Nature Conservancy bought the farm that belonged to the Hall family in South Central Kentucky. That purchase marked the end of family traditions but the beginning of public traditions.

The Homeplace on Green River has become an outdoor classroom. It hosts events throughout the year. According to its website, it offers:

  • Immersive educational programs
  • Community festivals
  • Event rentals
  • Hiking trails
  • Crop land leasing
  • Lab and conservation programs
  • And more

If we have bought the farm, we have died.

Family members and friends grieve the loss of life and past family traditions. Yet, life goes on, and new traditions begin.

We find possible origins for this expression at The Phrase Finder.

Numerous expressions describe death.

We find other expressions for death at Kick the Bucket.

When we have bought the farm, our life on earth ends.

However, our eternal home begins. If we accept Jesus as personal Savior and Lord, we have the promise of a home in heaven with Him.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24 NIV).

Thanks to Diana Flegal for the suggestion

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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To Die For

To Die For

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My sister-in-law recently described a pie to die for. She told how it:

  • Looks
  • Tastes
  • Makes her feel

Anything to die for seems very important.

 People want it because it:

  • Looks wonderful
  • Makes them happy
  • Has great value

Most people will not actually die for a piece of pie (or other food).

However, they will pay a high price for it. They want it that much.

Besides food, items to die for might include:

  • Clothing
  • Jewelry
  • Cars
  • Houses
  • Trips

None of those is worth people giving their lives.

However, many people will die for what they believe.

A few who go beyond the call of duty include:

  • Veterans
  • Missionaries
  • Police officers and firefighters
  • Others who protect family and friends

God loved the world enough to send Jesus to die for it.

Jesus died so anyone who follows him can have eternal life.

“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NIV).

 Thanks to Melissa Scott Taylor for the suggestion and to Winona Smith for the photo of one of her wonderful pies.

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

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