Where did the saying bought the farm come from?

The phrase "bought the farm" is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century, particularly during World War II. It is thought to refer to the idea that if a soldier died in battle, their life insurance payout would be enough to buy a farm, thus providing for their family. Over time, the expression transitioned into a euphemism for dying in general, often used in a humorous or lighthearted context.