flying coffin
1
9.1
- noun
- Informal
- After reading numerous crash reports, the mechanic regretfully labeled the model as a flying coffin.
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Watch on YouTubeAnd the a six was a flying coffin because it came in so low level.
- And the a six was a flying coffin because it came in so low level.
Examples
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Many pilots refuse to fly that old plane, calling it a flying coffin due to its frequent malfunctions.
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And the a six was a flying coffin because it came in so low level.
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Passengers were terrified when they heard the pilot refer to the aircraft as a flying coffin during the safety briefing.
Synonyms
8
8.2
A very unsafe building that could cause death or serious injury
Antonyms
How Safe
- Informal
1
9.1
8
8.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase combines 'flying' (moving through the air) with 'coffin' (a container associated with death) to metaphorically label an aircraft or vehicle as likely to cause fatality. The death-association of 'coffin' makes the intended meaning inferable to a learner who knows both words, but because this is a figurative/metaphorical extension rather than a literal or idiom-free composition, it is best classified as semi-transparent.
Etymology
The noun flying coffin comes from pilots and crew in war who used coffin (a box for the dead) with flying to paint a clear image: a plane that seems likely to kill you. That's why the phrase means 'an unsafe vehicle or aircraft that is likely to crash'.