„Der Kranke lag in den letzten Zügen."
The patient was dying.
What does „Der Kranke lag in den letzten Zügen." mean in German?
„Der Kranke lag in den letzten Zügen." means "The patient was dying.." Literally: "The sick one lay in the last pulls.."
Literal Translation
"The sick one lay in the last pulls."
English Equivalent
"The patient was on his deathbed."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
'in den letzten Zügen liegen' = to be at death's door
When is this idiom used?
This expression is used in formal or literary German, often found in written texts and speeches.
Related Words
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Related Idioms
„Er mußte ins Gras beißen."
He had to bite the dust.
„Er hat das Zeitliche gesegnet."
He has departed this life.
„Es geht mit ihm zu Ende."
He is on his last legs.
„Es ist noch nicht aller Tage Abend."
Don't crow too soon. He laughs best who laughs last.
„Der Brief ist mir abhanden gekommen."
I have mislaid (lost) the letter.
„Wer abhebt, gibt nicht."
The person who cuts does not deal.
