be a fate worse than death
be a fate worse than death
To be a very unpleasant situation or experience. This phrase is usually used hyperbolically, especially when referring to some form of punishment. It will be a fate worse than death if my parents catch me sneaking in after curfew. I appreciate Gina inviting me to go with her to the theater, but having to listen to those opera singers would be a fate worse than death. Both of my parents are scientists, so failing Chemistry class would be a fate worse than death.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
References in periodicals archive
If we are not going to bring back the death penalty for murder then imprisonment for murderers should
be a fate worse than death, and should only be released from prison when they come our feet first.
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