Passing the sandbar: A poem by Tennyson (1809-1892) describes passing from this world to the next with the metaphor of a sailor crosses a sandbar into the open sea, "I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crost the bar.".Crossing Jordan: The metaphor is taken from the Bible in reference to crossing the River Jordan into the Promised Land.You can find some very eloquent examples of death metaphors in well-known poems or prose. Poetry is aided by metaphors for describing death with prose. Went into the Light: God's Light to heaven.We lost her/him: Signifies personal loss in death.Was not long for this world: Death only a matter of time.Slipped away: The quiet death of someone lingering between life and death.Passed away or passed on: Euphemism for having moved on to another life.Paid the ultimate price: Sacrificed their life.
Not with us anymore: No longer living in the physical.Lost the battle: Signifies battle with a disease.Late: Posthumous as the late Mister James.Faded away: Person grew weaker and slowly died.Didn't make it: Didn't survive and died.Departed: Left, as in deceased, left this world.Crossed over: Soul leaving physical world for ethereal/spirit world.Beyond the veil: Existence beyond death.These types of death metaphors often offer some kind of hope or comfort. There are many common metaphors for death that people use in an attempt to lessen the grieving person's pain. Was capped: Death causing poisonous mushroom (mushroom cap).Toes turned up: Position of toes when lying dead on back.They're history: No present or future life.Taking a dirt nap: Refers to falling on ground.Sleeping with the fishes: Killed and body dumped in ocean.Six feet under: Refers to traditional burial depth.Pushing up daisies: Human fertilizer for flowers.Pulled the plug: Euphemism for stopping lifesaving medical devices.