“dead on arrival”
Describing something that has no chance of succeeding or is already doomed to fail before it even begins. Originally a medical term for a patient who dies before reaching a hospital, it is now used broadly for plans, proposals, or ideas that are instantly rejected or unviable. Listen to how native speakers pronounce "dead on arrival" in the video clips below.
Hear how "dead on arrival" sounds in real speech — 1,000 examples from 10 videos, movies, and TV shows. Sources: Supernatural, NBC News, Nerdstalgic, ABC News, 60 Minutes and 4 more.
1,000
clips found
10
videos
Examples in video
TV ShowSupernatural
Supernatural — S03E02
“Dead on arrival.
What I'm after is, is cause of death.”
Can you check the records for me
for a Robert Campbell, July 19th, 2001. … Heart condition?
Play at 38:47
Can't play this one yet, but your timecode is ready — 38:47
YouTubeNBC News127K views · 2026-03-27
DHS shutdown enters 'new legislative territory' after Speaker Johnson rejects Senate deal
“DEAD ON ARRIVAL IN THE SENATE.
IT COMES AS FRUSTRATATION AND”
HOUSE'S NEW PLAN, CALLING IT
DEAD ON ARRIVAL IN THE SENATE. … IT COMES AS FRUSTRATION AND
LONG LINES PERSIST AT THE
Play at 2:18
YouTubeNerdstalgic197K views · 2025-10-03
Why The DCEU Was Anything But Super
“dead on arrival. They were too little”
Lost Kingdom and Blue Beetle, were both … too late. No one cared that the first
Play at 9:23
YouTubeABC News125K views · 2026-03-29
Good Morning America Full Broadcast - Sunday, March 29, 2026
“dead on arrival in the Senate. And let's”
Leader Chuck Schumer says that plan is … not forget, guys, why Democrats thought
Play at 5:50
YouTubeNerdstalgic1.3M views · 2025-10-10
When A Remake Is WAY Better Than The Original
“dead on arrival. It was a story no one”
>> The 21 Jump Street film should have been … was asking for based on a TV show most
Play at 7:45
YouTube60 Minutes163K views · 2025-10-19
Stories About the Ocean | 60 Minutes Marathon
“was dead on arrival in the Senate”
Bill Clinton signed the treaty, but it … despite repeated attempts to ratify it,
Play at 1:29:08
YouTubeEpicurious1.4M views · 2020-04-07
5 Pizza Cutting Gadgets Improved By Design Expert | Well Equipped | Epicurious
“arrived dead on arrival it was broken”
matter of fact the first one we ordered … there's not a whole lot holding the
Play at 3:05
YouTubeWatchMojo.com155K views · 2026-04-10
20 FAILED Celebs Who NEVER Recovered
“reputation dead on arrival. He released”
backlash basically left Squier's … five more underrated and underheard
Play at 11:50
YouTubeKings and Generals147K views · 2025-08-31
History of the Sikhs
“was dead on arrival, for there was little appetite
for rebellion in the Punjab. Gandhi and the Indian”
and stir up mutiny in every corner of the
country. Unfortunately, this noble campaign … National Congress had thrown themselves behind the
British war effort, believing that India’s loyalty
Play at 57:17
YouTubeLex Fridman1.5M views · 2023-05-06
David Pakman: Politics of Trump, Biden, Bernie, AOC, Socialism & Wokeism | Lex Fridman Podcast #375
“Her campaign basically dead on arrival.”
Nikki Haley is running. … Trump actually does better
in polls the more people run.
Play at 1:45:00