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like death warmed up
01
extremely tired or unwell
Dialect
British
British
Idiom
InformalWhat 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.
Example
Despite the heavy makeup, Emma could n't conceal the fact that she was looking like death warmed up, with her worn-out expression and lack of energy.
Upon hearing the bad news, Tom's face turned white, and he looked like death warmed up, visibly shaken by the revelation.
