as good as dead

[hhtt21]

"The man was as good as dead when we found him."

Would you explain how a person can be as good as dead. I think situation is preposterious because a person could be alive or dead not between them.

Thank you.

 

[Lynxear]

"As good as dead" is a way of saying that the person is found in a near death condition. It is felt that even if the person recovers from the injuries, he won't have a good quality of life afterward. (Note: "afterward" is AE and Canadian English, whereas "afterwards" is BE".)

This phrase could also be used as a threat.

"You stole money from the mafia! You are as good as dead when they find out you did it."

"You are a dead man" has a similar meaning in the same context.

 

[GoesStation]

It's a way to say he was very nearly dead.

 

[teechar]

preposterious

This is not a word in English.