Daily Word Box

Install Daily Word Box: tap Share, then Add to Home Screen.

Idiom

pop your clogs

idiom (verb phrase) B2
/ˌpɑp jɚ ˈklɑɡz/

Meanings

idiom (verb phrase)

To die (informal, often humorous or blunt).

Visual cue for pop your clogs — meaning 1

Definition

To die, often said in a casual or darkly humorous way.

“Pop your clogs” is an informal British idiom meaning to die. It is usually used humorously or casually rather than in serious or formal situations. Because it can sound insensitive, it’s best avoided when speaking about a real person’s death in a respectful context.

Examples

  • He always joked that he wanted to travel the world before he popped his clogs.
  • The old engine finally popped its clogs halfway up the hill.
  • She said she’d haunt us all if she popped her clogs before finishing the project.
  • They acted like I was going to pop my clogs just because I caught a cold.