glue factory

Where animals, particularly old horses, are said to be sent so that their bones can be used to make "animal glue" (an adhesive prepared from animal parts). The phrase can also be applied to people. Please don't mention the "glue factory" around my son—he's too young to hear that that's where his favorite old horse went. I'm not that old—don't send me to the glue factory! A: "How can you even consider putting Grandma in a nursing home?" B: "A really nice nursing home! Geez, you act like I'm sending her to the glue factory!

glue factory

n. the place where old horses are sent so their bones can be made into glue; a similar, imaginary place for people. I’m not as young as I used to be, but I’m not ready for the glue factory yet.