drop-dead
[ drop-ded ]
/ ˈdrɒpˌdɛd /
adjective
inspiring awe, astonishment, or envy: a drop-dead guest list; a drop-dead sable coat.
being the most extreme limit or possibility: What's the drop-dead date for handing in term papers? That is our drop-dead offer.
Origin of drop-dead
First recorded in 1965–70
Words nearby drop-dead
Definition for drop dead (2 of 2)
Origin of drop
OTHER WORDS FROM drop
drop·like, adjective un·dropped, adjectiveBritish Dictionary definitions for drop dead (1 of 2)
drop-dead
adverb
informal
outstandingly or exceptionally
drop-dead gorgeous
British Dictionary definitions for drop dead (2 of 2)
drop
/ (drɒp) /
noun
verb drops, dropping or dropped
noun, verb
rugby
short for drop kick or drop-kick
Word Origin for drop
Old English
dropian; related to Old High German
triofan to
drip
Medical definitions for drop dead
drop
[ drŏp ]
n.
The smallest quantity of liquid heavy enough to fall in a spherical mass.
A volume of liquid equal to 176 of a teaspoon and regarded as a unit of dosage for medication.
A small globular piece of candy, usually readily dissolved in the mouth.
v.
To fall, be dispensed, or poured in drops.
Idioms and Phrases with drop dead (1 of 2)
drop dead
An expression of anger, rejection, or indignation toward someone. For example, I should do all that work for you? Drop dead! This rude imperative is usually hyperbolic, that is, the speaker is not literally asking someone to die on the spot. [c. 1930] Curiously, the adjective (and adverb) drop-dead is not at all insulting. Rather, it means “dazzling” or “awe-inspiring,” as in She wore a drop-dead outfit that all the other women admired. This usage originated in slangy journalism in the 1960s.
Idioms and Phrases with drop dead (2 of 2)
drop