knell

Related to knell: kneel down, ochlocracy

death knell

A signal of the impending end or ruin of something, especially a business, organization, or activity. Refers to the sound of a bell ringing (the knell) from a church to indicate that someone has died. The geometric expansion of the Internet and digital media has tolled the death knell for countless print-based businesses around the world.
See also: death, knell

ring the knell of (something)

old-fashioned To foreshadow, signal, announce, or proclaim the end or ruin of something. Refers to the sound of a bell ringing (the knell) from a church to indicate that someone has died. An uproarious applause strained the very timbers of the chamber, and rang the knell of slavery in this country forever. The geometric expansion of the Internet and digital media has rung the knell of countless print-based businesses around the world.
See also: knell, of, ring

sound the death knell

To cause or signal the impending end or ruin of something, especially a business, organization, or activity. (Refers to the sound of a bell ringing—the knell—from a church to indicate that someone has died.) The expansion of the Internet and digital media has sounded the death knell for countless print-based businesses around the world.
See also: death, knell, sound

toll the death knell

To cause or signal the impending end or ruin of something, especially a business, organization, or activity. Refers to the sound of a bell ringing (the knell) from a church to indicate that someone has died. The geometric expansion of the Internet and digital media has tolled the death knell for countless print-based businesses around the world.
See also: death, knell, toll
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

death knell

Something that indicates impending failure, as in His low scores sounded the death knell for his ambitions. The noun knell, used for the ringing of a bell since at least a.d. 1000, is rarely heard today except in this figurative phrase.
See also: death, knell
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

sound the death knell

COMMON If something sounds the death knell for an activity or organization, it causes the activity or organization to end or fail. The announcement that the mine would close in March with the loss of more than 980 jobs sounded the death knell for the village. Some people fear that the decision to allow women to become priests sounds the death knell of the Church of England. Note: This expression has many variations. For example, you can use other verbs instead of sound, or simply use the death knell to describe something that causes something else to end or fail. The present system of industrialization marked the death knell of traditional art. A new supermarket in the area would be the death knell for many small, independent food shops. Note: A death knell is the ringing of a church bell at a funeral or to announce someone's death.
See also: death, knell, sound
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

ring the knell of

announce or herald the end of.
The image here is of the tolling of a bell to announce a death or funeral.
See also: knell, of, ring
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

sound the ˈdeath knell of something

be the reason why something ends, goes out of fashion, or is replaced: The arrival of large supermarkets sounded the death knell of many small local shops.
The death knell is the ringing of a bell to announce a person’s death.
See also: death, knell, of, something, sound
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • death knell
  • toll the death knell
  • sound the death knell
  • sound the death knell of something
  • ring the knell of
  • ring the knell of (something)
  • ring down the curtain (on something)
  • ring down the curtain on
  • ring the curtain down
  • ring the curtain down (on something)
References in periodicals archive
On the first anniversary of the dissolution of its party, the former CNRP on Friday issued a statement saying November 16 marked the 'death knell for democracy' in Cambodia and its descent into dictatorship.
One year on, CNRP fate unclear
In his new role as CEO of National Geographic Partners, Knell will oversee all of National Geographic's global storytelling assets, including the television, magazine, print and digital operations, licensing and travel expeditions.
Gary E. Knell appointed CEO of Nat Geo Partners
I don't think there is any doubt any rise in rateable values will be the death knell for many hundreds of pubs."
100s OF PUBS & CLUBS FACING CLOSURE; Sales plunge blamed amid fears rate hike will spell end
But his client turned aggressive following a row over payment and Knell, who had been drinking heavily, grabbed hold of Mr Naeem and began shouting and swearing, all of which was recorded on a mobile phone.
Attacker should have been jailed says taxi driver victim
DEFEAT at Dover last night effectively sounded the death knell for Wrexham's season.
Dragons well beaten at Dover
IN HIS/HER letter (The end of R our great airport) S Coupe from Marton stated "oh the threat of a housing estate, please don't give them permission, Peel don't dare ring the death knell on Teesside."
Councillors must defend views; FEEDBACK
Knell, made his way to the North Country on Wednesday to visit with listeners and members of North Country Public Radio at St.
NPR Top Executive Visits SLU and NCPR
TRADERS say the decision to move Birmingham's wholesale markets could sound the death knell for stall holders on the nearby retail markets.
Traders fear for retail markets; SUPPORT OUR MARKETS
Arum said the controversial decision by the 'old f**ts' judges could sound death knell of boxing, and claimed even Bradley's manager believes Pacquiao had won the boxing.
Pacquiao's agent brands controversial defeat to Bradley as 'death knell of boxing'
But Labour's AM for the Vale of Clwyd Ann Jones said: "They are forcing through unpopular reforms and increased privatisation in Westminster, and now in Wales we have Tory candidates promoting the death knell for the NHS.".
NHS 'BEYOND SAVING'
"It would have been the death knell for tourism in the country," the Greek travel agents' association HATTA said in a statement.
Greek court stops strike by air traffic controllers
Lewis, chairman of the History of Geology Group (HOGG) and Knell (museum studies, University of Leicester) present an overview of the first two hundred years of the London Geological Society.
The making of The Geological Society of London
Summary: The final death knell is set to be sounded later for the controversial home information packs.
Hips facing the axe