Expiries

/ɪkˈspaɪəriz/ noun

Definition

Plural of expiry; the dates or times when something stops being valid or usable, like when a coupon or food item runs out.

Etymology

From expiry (from Latin expirare: ex- 'out' + spirare 'to breathe'), meaning when something 'breathes out' or comes to an end. The concept evolved from the literal idea of a final breath to metaphorically describe anything reaching its deadline.

Kelly Says

The word 'expiry' perfectly captures the poetic way English treats endings—we don't just say 'stops working,' we say something 'expires,' as if it's taking a final breath. This metaphor appears across so many deadlines in modern life, from milk cartons to passports!

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