土つちとなる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

die; return to the earth

Literary or poetic expression for dying, literally 'to become earth'. Often used in solemn or reflective contexts. The literal sense 'to become earth' is also possible but rare outside fixed phrases.

See also: 土になる

• 人ひとは皆みな、いつか土つちとなる。

  All people will someday return to the earth.

• 彼かれは戦せん場じょうで土つちとなった。

  He died on the battlefield.