Meaning of Idiom ‘Be the Death of One’
To be the death of (me, him, her, one) means to be the cause of someone’s death or ruin. This idiom can be used literally but is very often used as an exaggerated or humorous way to express the effects of some emotion such as aggravation, amusement, embarrassment, boredom, etc. (Source)
Usage
“I can’t leave you guys alone without something going wrong. You’re gonna be the death of me.”
“Those boys will be the death of me,” said Mom.
“Mr. Blackwell ran his store for fifty years. When his business failed it was the death of him.”
“The family is worried that Ronald’s drinking will be the death of him.”
“The scandal was the death of his run for governor.”
Origin
In use since the 1700’s.
More Idioms Starting with B
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