rest in peace
A phrase used as a wish for one who has died. The term derives from the Latin phrase "Requiescat in pace," which is often abbreviated on tombstones as R.I.P. "Rest in peace, my dear friend," she said through her tears. We are saddened by the news of James's sudden passing. May he rest in peace.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
rest in peace
to lie dead peacefully for eternity. (A solemn entreaty used in funeral prayers, eulogies, etc.) We prayed that the deceased would rest in peace. The bodies of the soldiers will rest in peace.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
rest in peace
Let it be; leave it alone. This term is a translation and an extension of the Latin Requiescat in pace and its abbreviation, R.I.P., often found on tombstones. Charles Kingsley used it figuratively (Westward Ho, 1855): “Into her merits or demerits I do not enter deeply here. Let her rest in peace.”
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer