expression, noun
dying breath; at death's door
Idiomatic expression describing a very weak, barely audible breath, often used to indicate someone is near death or in a critical state.
事故の後、彼は虫の息で病院に運ばれた。
After the accident, he was taken to the hospital barely breathing.
祖母は虫の息だったが、家族の顔を見て少し微笑んだ。
My grandmother was at death's door, but she smiled a little when she saw her family's faces.