# not be caught dead

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/not-be-caught-dead
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To refuse completely to do something, generally out of scorn.

## Examples

- I would not be caught dead wearing that ugly hat.
- She loves classical music and says she would not be caught dead at a loud rock concert.
- Despite the sudden trend among his peers, he insisted he would not be caught dead participating in such a ridiculous public display.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.