Technology
give up the ghost
stop working completely
If a machine gives up the ghost, it stops working completely, usually after being used for a long time.
Hear it in real life
Can you print the tickets?
No, the printer's given up the ghost.
Our washing machine gave up the ghost just before the holidays.
The mistake everyone makes
Not: My laptop gave up a ghost.
Say: My laptop gave up the ghost.
The expression uses "the ghost," not "a ghost."
Build it
How it fits in a sentence.
something gives up the ghost; something gave up the ghost
Your turn: say it out loud
Our washing machine gave up the ghost just before the holidays.
Say it out loud two or three times, until it feels like yours.
give up the ghost
stop working completely
“Our washing machine gave up the ghost just before the holidays.”
heytardy
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