die for want of lobster sauce

die for want of lobster sauce

To literally die or to be devastated due to a minor inconvenience or mishap. The phrase is thought to refer to a chef who committed suicide after discovering that he didn't have the ingredients to make lobster sauce for a banquet for King Louis XIV. I know you're really upset about not getting the lead in the school play, but I think you dying for want of lobster sauce—I mean, you still got a great role!See also: die, of, sauce, want