be the death of

idiom

Definition of be the death of

: to cause (someone) to die

I worry that his drug addiction will be the death of him.

—often used figuratively suggesting concern or frustration

Those kids will be the death of me!

Word by Word Definitions

death play

: a permanent cessation of all vital (see vital 2a) functions : the end of life — compare brain death
: an instance of dying
: the cause or occasion of loss of life

See the full definition of death

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up be the death of? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

halcyon

play

peaceful, happy, or prosperous

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games