grave
(noun, adjective)
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A grave is a place, usually in the ground, in which a dead body is buried.
- William visited his mother's grave on her birthday.
- Many of the Titanic passengers went to a watery grave.
Grave also means ‘serious,’ ‘solemn’ or ‘dangerous.’
- When Ted saw the grave expression on his mother's face, he knew something was wrong.
- Alice couldn't sleep because of all the grave thoughts that went through her mind.
- The diplomats worked hard to resolve the grave international crisis.
Common uses
make someone turn over in his grave: to do something that would greatly offend someone who is dead. Example: “If Jane Austen saw that awful version of Pride and Prejudice, she would turn over in her grave.”
have one foot in the grave: to be so ill or old that death is expected soon. Example: “Right after Joe’s surgery, he looked like he had one foot in the grave.”
Related words
graveyard: cemetery. Example: “There is a graveyard behind the old church.”
In pop culture
A graveyard shift is a work shift that goes from late night to early morning. For example, nurses may work a graveyard shift. In this Stephen King horror movie, Graveyard Shift, it takes on a more literal meaning. Watch the trailer, if you dare.
There are other meanings of grave.
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