buy the farm —(coll.) die, especially suddenly or violently (also: buy it):
- Well, I almost bought the farm last weekend. A friend was driving too aggressively and she put us into a dangerous situation.
sell the farm—sell all one’s assetts to invest in a new venture; act rashly or overreact:
- The economy has been tough on everyone these days, but don’t sell the farm just yet.
Cf.: who wouldn’t sell a farm and go to sea—(Nautical catch phrase)
1. used to express one’s genuine delight at being at sea:
- Kettle looked round at the elaborate fittings of the cabin. Lord! Who wouldn’t sell a farm and go to sea?
2. used ironically when smth. difficult has to be done:
- ’Tis when that order comes on cold, blustering nights that “Jack” grimly mutters: “Who would not sell a farm and go to sea?”
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase give away the farm—negotiate poorly or make a deal that puts one at a serious disadvantage:
- He signed a law that gave away the farm to big drug companies while leaving seniors with hardly any benefits.