DEATH KNELL

{n.}, {formal} 1. The ringing of a bell at a death or funeral. * /The people mourned at the death knell of their friend./ 2. {literary} Something which shows a future failure. * /Bill's poor grade on his final examination sounded the death knell of his hope to be a doctor./ * /His sudden deafness was the death knell of his hope to become President./