expression, godan verb (-ru)
to die; to return to the earth
Poetic or euphemistic expression for dying, literally 'to return to the soil'. Often used in literary or solemn contexts. Compare with 土になる, which has a similar meaning.
See also: 土になる
彼は静かに土に帰った。
He quietly returned to the earth.
Very similar meaning; 土に帰る emphasizes the return to the earth, while 土になる focuses on becoming part of the soil. Both are euphemisms for death.
Fixed expression composed of 土 (earth) + に (particle) + 帰る (to return). The phrase is a euphemism for death, reflecting the idea of the body returning to the soil.