be the death of (one)
be the death of (one)
To be a source of extreme worry, distress, aggravation, or other effects too intense for one to endure. You'll be the death of me! Please call if you're going to be home late, so I don't worry.
See also: death, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
will be the death of someone or something (yet)
[the thing named] will be the end or ruin of someone or something. This job will be the death of me! Rough roads will be the death of these tires.
See also: death, of, will
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
be the death of
Cause the death of something or someone, as in This comedian is so funny, he'll be the death of me. Although this phrase can be used literally, meaning "to kill someone or something," it has also been used hyperbolically (as in the example) since the late 1500s. Shakespeare used it in 1 Henry IV (2:1): "Since the price of oats rose, it was the death of him."
See also: death, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
be the death of
cause someone's death.Be the death of is generally used as an exaggerated or humorous way of describing the effects of laughter, embarrassment, boredom, or similar emotions.
1999 Chris Dolan Ascension Day If her mother ever found out that William Grant was in Glasgow, it'd be the death of her.
See also: death, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
be the ˈdeath of somebody
(often humorous) cause somebody a lot of harm or worry: You children are so badly behaved! You’ll be the death of me one day!See also: death, of, somebody
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
be the death of
To distress or irritate to an intolerable degree.
See also: death, of
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- be the death of
- be the death of somebody
- (someone or something) is going to be the death of (one)
- (someone or something) will be the death of (one)
- will be the death of
- you'll be the death of me
- the (absolute) limit
- the limit
- in thunderation?
- in creation?