“Mortal Coil” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 15, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Have you ever heard someone use the term ‘mortal coil’ in a conversation? If you have, you may have wondered what they were talking about. We are going to take a look at the meaning of this saying and how we can use it in our day to day conversations. We will also look at the history of the phrase and where it first came from.

Mortal Coil Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Mortal coil” refers to the burdens, struggles, and transient nature of human life. It signifies the chaos and complications of earthly existence, often used in the context of life before death.
Mortal Coil Meaning
Mortal Coil Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Mortal Coil Meaning

The phrase “mortal coil” refers to the troubles, struggles, and burdens of daily life in the physical world. It is often used to describe the transient, earthly existence that humans endure before death. The term “coil” in this context refers to the complications or chaos of life.

Origin of this Helpful Idiom

The phrase is famously used in Shakespeare‘s Hamlet, in the line “When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,” where it symbolizes the act of leaving behind the difficulties and entanglements of life through death.

Usage of “Mortal Coil”

  1. In reference to death:
    • “He finally shuffled off this mortal coil, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and generosity.”
  2. In philosophical discussions:
    • “Many people seek ways to find peace while navigating the chaos of this mortal coil.”
  3. In literature or storytelling:
    • “The hero fought valiantly, but eventually succumbed to the inevitable end of his mortal coil.”
  4. Reflecting on life’s struggles:
    • “After years of hardship, he longed for a release from the weight of this mortal coil.”
  5. In poetic or reflective writing:
    • “To leave this mortal coil behind is to free oneself from the pains and joys of earthly life.”

In these examples, the phrase is used to emphasize the transient and often difficult nature of human existence.

Related Terms to “Mortal Coil”

  • Vale of tears – Refers to the world as a place of suffering, sorrow, and hardship.
  • Circle of life – Describes the natural cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
  • Earthly existence – Refers to life as it is lived in the material, physical world.
  • Flesh and blood – Refers to the physical, human condition, often focusing on the vulnerabilities of life.
  • Life’s burdens – The struggles, responsibilities, and challenges faced during life.
  • Ephemeral life – Refers to the fleeting, short-lived nature of human life.
  • Transience of life – The impermanence and temporary nature of human existence.
  • Frail mortality – The fragile nature of human life and the inevitability of death.
  • The human condition – Refers to the experiences, emotions, and struggles common to all humans.
  • Shuffling off this coil – Another way of describing the end of life or death, originating from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

There are plenty of other ways to explain the term ‘mortal coil.’

Here are some examples of other ways you might say the phrase.

  • Stresses and strains
  • Load of life

“Mortal Coil” Examples

Examples in Statements

This is a statement made by a boss to his employee.

  • ‘You have worked so hard and faced so many obstacles, you are certainly being challenged by this mortal coil‘.

Here is a statement being made by a journalist in a newspaper report.

  • ‘The villagers have faced more than its fair share within this mortal coil.’

Conversation Examples

If you are curious to see how the saying ‘mortal coil’ can fit into a daily conversation, here are some examples to show how it would sound.

The first conversation is happening between a mother and son.

  • Person 1: “Mom, I can’t believe you are dying, I am so sad.”
  • Person 2: “Son, I have had my fair share on this earth, it is time for me to depart this mortal coil.”

This conversation is taking place between two friends.

  • Person 1: “You have had to endure a lot this year haven’t you.”
  • Person 2: “I really have, it has been one thing after another.”
  • Person 1: “How do you feel?”
  • Person 2: “To quote Shakespeare-I cannot wait to leave this mortal coil.”
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