wouldn't be seen dead in

wouldn't be seen dead in (something)

1. Would never wear a particular item or type of clothing. Are you kidding? She wouldn't be caught dead in a dress like that! Dad, I wouldn't be seen dead in that shirt anymore—you can toss it in the fire for all I care.
2. Would never wear enter or spend time in some place, such as a particular building, town, or country. He has very expensive taste and wouldn't be seen dead in a Walmart. I find these grand gestures of charity hilarious from superstar actors who wouldn't be seen dead in third-world countries.
See also: dead, seen
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

wouldn't be seen (or caught) dead in (or with or at) —

used to express strong dislike or disinclination for a particular thing or situation. informal
1997 Independent Kate's books, said one literary editor, can be read happily by those who wouldn't be seen dead with a Catherine Cookson.
See also: dead, seen
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • wouldn't be caught dead in (something)
  • wouldn't be seen dead
  • wouldn't be seen dead (doing something)
  • would not be seen dead
  • quick and the dead
  • quick and the dead, the
  • the quick and the dead
  • play possum
  • play possum, to
  • possum
References in periodicals archive
"I wouldn't be seen dead in shorts - only very secretly and privately, but never in public.
TODAY'S QUOTES
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Theresa May's shoes say everything you need to know about the Tory party these days: they're flat, they're frumpish and most of us wouldn't be seen dead in them
They Said