Search
Select the dictionary language
like death warmed up
01
extremely tired or unwell
Dialect
British
British
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "like death warmed up" and when to use it?
The exact origin of the phrase "like death warmed up" is unclear, but it likely emerged as an exaggerated way to describe someone's extremely sick or unhealthy appearance. The phrase conveys the idea that the person looks as if they have experienced the state of death and have been brought back to life. It is often used informally to describe a person's sickly or worn-out appearance.
Examples
Despite the heavy makeup, Emma couldn't conceal the fact that she was looking like death warmed up, with her worn-out expression and lack of energy.
