Dead on his feet

Posted by ESC on September 10, 1999

In Reply to: Dead on his feet posted by Amelia on September 10, 1999

: What's the origin of this saying. I haven't got a clue albeit I know it means tired to the point where your only option is to go to sleep.

According to A Dictionary of American Idioms edited by Adam Makkai (Barron's, 1987), dead on one's feet means very tired but still standing or walking; too tired to do more; exhausted."

As to the origin, I'm going to take a guess. Maybe it has to do with a horse dying, but momentarily remaining on its feet. If that's possible.