to be the death of somebody
01
to cause extreme worry, distress, or discomfort for others
![to [be] the death of {sb} definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/42588/original/?type=jpeg "to [be] the death of {sb} definition and meaning")
Idiom
Informal
Exempel
His reckless driving habits were the death of their friendship; they could n't trust him anymore.
02
to greatly upset, frustrate, or bring about harmful outcomes that can destroy or ruin a person or thing
IdiomInformalExempel
The lack of proper maintenance and neglect proved to be the death of the historic building, resulting in its eventual decay and collapse.
