wouldn't be caught dead (doing something)

wouldn't be caught dead (doing something)

Would never (do the thing being discussed). I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that shirt. You can burn it for all I care. She had always said she wouldn't be caught dead working for that company, but I guess everyone has their price.See also: caught, dead

caught dead, wouldn't be

Also, wouldn't be seen dead. Would have nothing to do with, detest, as in I wouldn't be caught dead in that outfit, or He'd not be seen dead drinking a cheap wine. This hyperbole is always put negatively. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s] See also: caught

somebody wouldn’t be seen/caught ˈdead...

(spoken) used to say that you would not do a particular thing because you would feel stupid or embarrassed: I wouldn’t be seen dead in a hat like that. ♢ She wouldn’t be caught dead in a place like this.See also: caught, seen, somebody