coil (redirected from shuffles off this mortal coil)

coil (itself) around someone or something

[for something or an animal] to wrap itself around someone or something. The monkey's tail coiled itself around the branch. The huge python coiled around poor Roger.

See also: around

coil (itself) up

[for something] to wrap or roll itself into a coil. The snake coiled itself up, trying to hide. It coiled up, ready to strike.

See also: up

coil (itself) up into something

[for something] to wrap or twist itself into a particular shape. The frightened snaked coiled itself up into a knot. The spring coiled up into its original shape.

See also: up

coil something up

to roll or twist something into a coil. Maria coiled the strip of stamps up and put them in the little dispenser. Please coil up the rope.

See also: up

shuffle off this mortal coil

Euph. to die. (Often jocular or formal euphemism. Not often used in consoling someone.) Cousin Fred shuffled off this mortal coil after suffering a heart attack. When I shuffle off this mortal coil, I want to go out in style—bells, flowers, and a long, boring funeral.

See also: shuffle, this

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shuffle off this mortal coil  (humorous)

to die

Usage notes: This phrase comes from the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare.

I really want to see the Coliseum before I shuffle off this mortal coil.

See lost in the shuffle

See also: shuffle, this