(one) would die if (something happened)

1. One would be more embarrassed than one can imagine if something were to happen. Oh my gosh, I seriously can't believe that Jenny's parents brought her to school dressed like that. I would die if my parents ever did that! Are you OK? I mean, I would die if I fell off my bike in front of all the cool kids like that. I would totally die if I burped in front of the whole class like Billy—how embarrassing!

2. One would be happier than one can imagine if something were to happen. Sarah loves that actor so much. I think she would die if she ever got the chance to meet him in person! My parents have been hinting at it, but I would seriously die if it turned out they got me a car for my birthday! Do you think Rick will kiss me at the dance on Friday? Oh my gosh, I would just die!

3. One would not be able to persevere if something were to happen. Often used hyperbolically. She loves him more than anything. I know she would die if she couldn't be with him. A: "I heard they're discontinuing this brand of soda." B: "What? No, this is my favorite! I'd die if they stopped selling it!" I don't know how she's coping with all of this. I would die if they took my kids away from me.