coffin

Everyday

1. A long box in which a dead person is buried or cremated. tree →
2. (idiom) A nail in the coffin: something that helps to end or ruin something. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life coffins are part of funerals; in history lessons Egyptian coffins (sarcophagi) and mummies appear; in spooky stories vampires sleep in coffins. Phrases: a nail in the coffin, carry the coffin, open coffin.

Examples

• The coffin was carried into the church. tree →
• Egyptian mummies were placed in painted coffins. tree →
• In the story, the vampire climbed out of his coffin. tree →
• (idiom) Losing their best player was the final nail in the coffin for the team. tree →
• The family put flowers on the coffin. tree →
• Grandad's coffin was made of oak. tree →
• Says the father-in-law from his coffin: tree →

Note

Countable. US also says "casket". Death and funerals can be sad topics; speak gently. "Nail in the coffin" is an idiom, not about real coffins.

In Jewish tradition

In Genesis, a coffin is the chest in which Joseph was embalmed and laid in Egypt.

Interpretation. The tradition says Joseph's bones were carried out of Egypt at the Exodus, as he had made Israel swear. This kept the promise that God would bring them back to the land.

Examples

• And they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. (Torah GEN.50.26, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable. US also says "casket". Death and funerals can be sad topics; speak gently. "Nail in the coffin" is an idiom, not about real coffins.