ˈwʊdnt biː kɔːt ded
General
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- Not even death would cause this
What does "wouldn't be caught dead" mean?
- Would absolutely never do something
- Find something completely unacceptable or embarrassing
Examples
- I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that outfit.
- He wouldn't be caught dead at that restaurant.
- She wouldn't be caught dead listening to that music.
Origin
Hyperbolic expression—even in death, one wouldn't be found doing this thing. Extreme rejection.
How to use it
Strong expression of distaste or rejection. Often about fashion, places, or activities.
Similar expressions
absolutely refuse
never in a million years
over my dead body
Opposites
would love to
happy to
gladly
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "wouldn't be caught dead" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.