the Q-sign

the Q-sign

A jocular comparison of a dead patient's mouth open and with the tongue sticking out, reminiscent of the letter Q. We rushed through the wards of injured soldiers, skipping over anyone wearing the Q-sign.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

Q-sign

n. the rounded, open mouth of a dead person with the tongue hanging out like the tail of a capital Q. (see also O-sign, in the Q-zone.) The old lady in the corner room is giving the Q-sign.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • Q-sign
  • the O-sign
  • O-sign
  • shut your mouth
  • tongue-in-cheek
  • what's yours is mine, and what's mine is mine
  • Ma Bell
  • Mama Bell
  • give tongue
  • the old ball and chain