thrill (one) to death

thrill (one) to death

To cause someone to feel a great deal of excitement, joy, or pleasure. Often used in passive constructions. I have to say, seeing the Eiffel Tower in person thrilled me to death. A: "I really hope Mary enjoys her surprise birthday party." B: "I'm sure she'll be thrilled to death!"

See also: death, thrill

thrilled to death

Ecstatic; very pleased and excited. A: "I really hope Mary enjoyed her surprise birthday party." B: "I'm sure she did; she seemed thrilled to death!" I was thrilled to death to hear that I'd been selected for a literary award in New York City.

See also: death, thrill

thrilled to death

 and thrilled to pieces

Fig. very excited; to be very pleased. She was thrilled to death to get the flowers. I'm just thrilled to pieces to have you visit me.

See also: death, thrill