“Dead Man Walking” means someone considered certain to lose a job, position, or status soon; in US prison usage, a prisoner awaiting execution. The figurative workplace/status sense and the US prison sense are distinct contexts, so the surrounding situation determines the intended meaning.
ReviewedEvidence1 sourceSectionPhrases & Idioms
Quick answer
Someone considered certain to lose a job, position, or status soon; in US prison usage, a prisoner awaiting execution.
Key details
Canonical FormDead Man Walking
Core Meaningsomeone considered certain to lose a job, position, or status soon; in US prison usage, a prisoner awaiting execution
Further guidance
History Boundary
This guide explains documented current meaning and does not claim a single inventor, exact coinage date, or absolute first use without direct evidence.
Meaning
someone considered certain to lose a job, position, or status soon; in US prison usage, a prisoner awaiting execution
Usage Boundary
The figurative workplace/status sense and the US prison sense are distinct contexts, so the surrounding situation determines the intended meaning.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
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