The idiomatic expression "bought the ranch" is a colloquial phrase that has its origins in American English. It is typically used to describe a situation where someone has died or suffered a fatal accident. The phrase metaphorically suggests that the person has permanently left their previous life, similar to buying a piece of property like a ranch where they would spend the rest of their existence.
Moreover, "bought the ranch" can also be used to describe a situation where someone has experienced a significant failure, setback, or loss. In this context, it implies that the person's plans, aspirations, or investments have been ruined and cannot be recovered, leaving them in a state of ruin or defeat resembling the irretrievability of owning a property like a ranch.
The phrase's meaning can also extend to situations involving the forfeiture or loss of a large sum of money, perhaps due to reckless spending, a failed investment, or a financial crisis. In such cases, it signifies a financial downfall that may be irrecoverable, akin to losing ownership over a valuable asset such as a ranch.
Overall, the idiom "bought the ranch" conveys a sense of finality, hopelessness, and often implies irreversible consequences in various contexts, such as death, fatal accidents, significant failures, and substantial financial losses.
