Definition
To “check out”:
- To depart, specifically to exit life, i.e., to die.
- To investigate or examine something or someone.
Related Terms & Synonyms
- Kicked the bucket: A more pungent metaphor for dying.
- Bought the farm: ’50s American slang, another euphemism for death.
- Passed away: A gentler, more formal way to convey death.
- Investigate: Synonym for the second usage related to examining or exploring something.
- Research: Similar to “check out” in the sense of looking into something more thoroughly.
Antonyms
- Come in: The opposite of departing.
- Revive: To bring back to life, antidote to the “check out” relating death.
- Ignore: Opposite of investigating or examining.
Humorous Quotes
- “Tickets? Yeah, I was thinking more of a one-way trip… to the afterlife.”
- “He checked out permanently. And we don’t mean a late fee at the library.”
Proverbs
- “You can’t take it with you.”: Reflecting on material possessions beyond death.
- “There’s no luggage rack on a hearse.”: Similar to the above, emphasizing the futility of material wealth in the face of death.
Cultural References
- Literature: “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak features Death as a character, giving perspective on people ‘checking out’.
- Songs: “Hotel California” by Eagles – “You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.”
- Movies: “The Bucket List” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, explores life before ‘checking out.’
Inspirational Thought
“To check out is an inevitable booking we’ve all made. But until then, let’s make plentiful suite upgrades, cherish the spontaneous mini bars, and always, always opt for a scenic view.”
### "To check out" is best understood in which context?
- [x] Departing from life
- [ ] Leaving your hotel for the day
- [ ] Embezzling funds
- [ ] Chaperoning a school dance
> **Explanation:** Although "checking out" of a hotel fits in another context, the phrase itself dramatically hints at the final departure, which is death.
### Which is synonymous with "check out" (departing life)?
- [ ] Tear it up
- [x] Kicked the bucket
- [ ] Hit the books
- [ ] Paint the town red
> **Explanation:** "Kicked the bucket" is indeed synonymous with the first definition of "check out," highlighting departure from life. The others denote different activities altogether.
### True or False: "To check out" only means investigating.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. Beyond examining, "to check out" can also dramatically imply someone's death.
### Is "bought the farm" closely related to "checked out" in the context of life departure?
- [x] Yes
- [ ] No
- [ ] Could be either
- [ ] Only on Tuesdays
> **Explanation:** Yes, "bought the farm" is another colorful euphemism implying someone has 'checked out' in a permanent way.
