be the death of sb
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Definition & Meaning of "[be] the death of {sb}"

to be the death of sb
01

to cause extreme worry, distress, or discomfort for others

to [be] the death of {sb} definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "be the death of someone" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "be the death of someone" can be traced back to the 17th century. The phrase draws on the concept of something being so burdensome or aggravating that it metaphorically leads to a person's demise or extreme frustration. This expression can be used when discussing interpersonal conflicts, troublesome situations, or persistent irritations that have a detrimental effect on someone's well-being.

02

to greatly upset, frustrate, or bring about harmful outcomes that can destroy or ruin a person or thing

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