bite the dust

verb

1. To die.

   “Ulysses killed Demoptolemus, Telemachus Euryades, Eumæus Elatus, while the stockman killed Pisander. These all bit the dust, and as the others drew back into a corner Ulysses and his men rushed forward and regained their spears by drawing them from the bodies of the dead”

   “Three more warriors bit the dust...”

2. To quit, or fail.

   “My old backpack finally bit the dust the other day.”

   “London calling, now don't look to us / Phony Beatlemania has bitten the dust”