shuffle off this mortal coil

Euph. to die. (Often jocular or formal euphemism. Not often used in consoling someone.) Cousin Fred shuffled off this mortal coil after suffering a heart attack. When I shuffle off this mortal coil, I want to go out in style—bells, flowers, and a long, boring funeral.

See also: coil, mortal, off, shuffle, this

shuffle off this mortal coil

(humorous)

to die

Usage notes: This phrase comes from the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare.

I really want to see the Coliseum before I shuffle off this mortal coil.

See lost in the shuffle

See also: coil, mortal, off, shuffle, this

shuffle off this mortal coil

Die. This phrase that appears in Hamlet combines the archaic meaning of two words. “Shuffle” meant “rid,” while “coil” meant “troubles.” As Shakespeare put it, “What dreams may come / When we have shuffled off this mortal coil / Must give us pause.”

See also: coil, mortal, off, shuffle, this

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Marcellin	-	French
Mariano	-	Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
Teague	[ti:g]
Dian	DEE-ahn	Indonesian
Ascott	['æskət]
Kayley	KAY-lee	English (Modern)