wouldn't be caught dead
Never, under circumstances
Wouldn't be caught dead expresses emphatic refusal or strong aversion—you'd sooner die than do the thing in question.
I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that outfit.
The phrase implies that even as a corpse, you'd find the situation unacceptably embarrassing or beneath you.
It's almost always hyperbole, used to reject fashion choices, social situations, or associations that clash with one's self-image.
- loatheIntensely dislike
- abhorIntensely dislike, with disgust
- dislikeMild negative regard
- overallsTrousers with bib front
- detestFeel strong aversion
emphatic · embarrassment · hate · heels · unthinkable · self-respect · eschew · shame · lose face · inconceivable · vehement · mohawk · tutu · fishnets · societal norms · peer pressure · mullet · dignity
intensity of preference
wouldn't be caught deadlive for
Regard as essential
dying to · crazy about · wild about · mad about · jump at the chance