What does the phrase had been all but dead mean?

The phrase "had been all but dead" means that something was very close to being dead or completely gone. It implies a state of near-extinction or complete inactivity.

Here's how it breaks down:

* "Had been" indicates a past state.

* "All but" means almost completely or nearly.

* "Dead" refers to the state of being lifeless or inactive.

Example:

"The old tradition had been all but dead for generations, but a new group of young people has brought it back to life."

This sentence implies that the tradition was nearly extinct, but a new group has revived it.

Other ways to say "had been all but dead":

* Nearly extinct

* On the verge of extinction

* In a state of near-death

* Almost gone

* In a state of near-inactivity

Let me know if you'd like any other examples!