Definition

1. Verb phrase (informal, idiomatic):
   • To be killed; to die: The phrase "buy it" is an informal, often euphemistic idiom meaning to be killed, especially suddenly or violently, or to die.

Usage

• This phrase is used in informal contexts, often to describe death in a blunt or casual manner. It is frequently found in narratives about accidents, combat, or failure.
• It is typically used in the past tense ("bought it") to state that someone has died.

Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • The engine failed, and the pilot bought it. (The pilot was killed in the crash.)
  • If you're not careful crossing that street, you'll buy it. (You will be killed.)
  • He bought it in the war. (He was killed during the war.)

Advanced Usage

• "to buy the farm": A closely related idiom with the same meaning of being killed, especially in an accident or in military service.
  • Sadly, he bought the farm in a car crash last year.

Variants and Related Words

• Bought it: The standard past tense and past participle form of the idiom.
  • They say he bought it instantly in the explosion.

Synonyms

• Perish: to die, especially in a violent or sudden way.
• Kick the bucket (idiomatic, informal): to die.
• Meet one's end: to die.

Related Idioms

• Cash in one's chips: (idiomatic, informal) to die.
  • The old gangster finally cashed in his chips.
• Bite the dust: (idiomatic, informal) to be killed or to die; to fail.
  • Another enemy fighter bit the dust.

Verb

1. be killed or die;