(someone or something's) days are numbered

(someone or something's) days are numbered

Said when someone or something is soon to die or end. Often used hyperbolically or humorously when referring to people. The captain of the wrestling team found out that I kissed his girlfriend, so my days are numbered now! My phone's days are definitely numbered—the battery won't last more than an hour.See also: days, number

days are numbered, one's

Also, its days are numbered. The usefulness or life of someone or something is nearly ended. For example, When they announced the layoffs, she knew her days at the company were numbered, or My car's days are numbered-the transmission is shot. A version of this expression appears in the Bible (Daniel 5:26): "God hath numbered thy kingdom and finished it." It came into common use in the late 1800s. See also: days

someone's days are numbered

COMMON If someone's days are numbered, they are not likely to survive or be successful for much longer. His days are numbered. He's a very sick man. As rebels advanced on the capital it became clear that the President's days in power were numbered.See also: days, number

someone's (or something's) days are numbered

someone or something will not survive or remain in a position of power for much longer. 2001 Business Asia Daewoo's former chairman Kim Woo Choong's days are numbered after Korean authorities issued a warrant for his arrest. See also: days, number