ENGLISH
REFERENCE

die for

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to want something very much because you think it is excellent or beautiful.

phr. v.. to experience an intense desire for something; used hyperbolically to express extreme appreciation or craving for an object or experience.


SIMPLE

That chocolate cake is to die for.

CONTEXTUAL

After a long week of work, I am dying for a quiet weekend at the beach.

COMPLEX

The view from the penthouse was absolutely to die for, overlooking the entire city skyline and the harbor beyond.

Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
die + for + object
Usage

often used in the progressive form 'dying for' or the fixed adjectival phrase 'to die for'.

Teaching tip

explain that this is a hyperbolic expression; students should understand it is not literal and is most common when talking about food, fashion, or travel.

Pitfall

I am die for a cold drink.I am dying for a cold drink.when expressing a current strong desire, use the present continuous form 'dying for'.

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