dead man walking

Etymology
A phrase traditionally used in U.S. prisons to announce a condemned prisoner being walked to the place of execution. Its use has expanded as a euphemism for anyone facing an impending and unavoidable loss.

Noun

 * 1) A condemned prisoner walking to a death chamber or other place of execution.
 * 2) Someone who is soon to die.
 * 3)  Someone who is about to face an unavoidable loss (though the person may not realize it).
 * 4)  A multivortex tornado typically appearing in the form of a human figure walking.
 * 1)  Someone who is about to face an unavoidable loss (though the person may not realize it).
 * 2)  A multivortex tornado typically appearing in the form of a human figure walking.

Derived terms

 * dead woman walking
 * dead person walking