(as) dead as a doornail
completely dead

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

dead as a doornail
(as) dead as a doornail
1.
obviously dead.
The fox in the road was dead as a doornail.

2.
not active at all.
Nothing ever happens in our town — it's as dead as a doornail.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of doornail (= a nail with a large head)

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

dead as a doornail
to be very dead
The man was as dead as a doornail after the car accident.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

dead as a doornail
adj. phr. Completely dead without the slightest hope of resuscitation.
This battery is dead as a doornail; no wonder your car won't start.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲