be dead and buried
To be completely gone or defunct. The phrase can refer to one who has literally died and been buried, as well as to failures. Their father is dead and buried, but they still complain about him daily. Oh, that idea from last week's meeting is dead and buried now that the CEO has vetoed it. His mayoral campaign is likely dead and buried now, thanks to this exposé about his shady business dealings.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.