wouldn't be caught/seen dead

wouldn't be caught/seen dead (informal)

if someone wouldn't be seen dead in a particular place or doing a particular thing, they would never do it, usually because it would be too embarrassing. John's dad won't go to the christening, he wouldn't be seen dead in a church. (often + adv/prep) Chris wouldn't be seen dead driving a Lada. (often + doing something)

See also: caught, dead, seen, wouldn't