death knell

noun

1. a harbinger of the end, death, or destruction of something.
2. passing bell.

death knell

noun

1. something that heralds death or destruction
2. a bell rung to announce a death

Idioms and Phrases

Something that indicates impending failure, as in His low scores sounded the death knell for his ambitions . The noun knell , used for the ringing of a bell since at least a.d. 1000, is rarely heard today except in this figurative phrase.

Example Sentences

The study also warned that AI’s power to store data might sound the death knell for the culture around traditional music.

From BBC

But Superior Court Judge Deborah Servino curtailed that line of evidence, which the Andersons saw as the death knell for their case.

From Los Angeles Times

"Frankly, if they do this, it will be the death knell of the pub," Mr Farage added.

From BBC

The incoming heat could also be the death knell for the remainder of the state’s snowpack, which has dwindled to about 44% of normal for this time of year after peaking in April.

From Los Angeles Times

Then habitat loss and poorly managed grazing in Eryri were the final death knell for the plant.

From BBC