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• drop-dead
  drop-dead

  adjective

  inspiring awe, astonishment, or envy.
• drop dead
  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.

drop-dead

American  

[drop-ded] / ˈdrɒpˌdɛd /

adjective

1. inspiring awe, astonishment, or envy.

   a drop-dead guest list; a drop-dead sable coat.

2. being the most extreme limit or possibility.

   What's the drop-dead date for handing in term papers? That is our drop-dead offer.

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drop-dead British  

adverb

1. informal outstandingly or exceptionally

   drop-dead gorgeous

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drop dead Idioms  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of drop-dead

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

When can I get my hands on the Genesis G90 Wingback, a drop-dead gorgeous performance wagon unveiled in concept form last December?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

He was as militant a union man as I ever met, and I have met a few in my day, and moreover, he was drop-dead brilliant.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2024

Their estimates are all within a few days of Treasury’s projections on the drop-dead date.

From Seattle Times • May 25, 2023

The Information’ drags a bit around the middle, but you’re never out of reach of a sparkly phrase, stiletto metaphor or drop-dead insight into the human condition.”

From New York Times • May 20, 2023

The buck might drop-dead if struck in the neck, the shoulder, or the kidneys; if in other parts, he frequently galloped off with a doubled-up and cramped action.

From Sporting Scenes amongst the Kaffirs of South Africa by Drayson, A. W. (Alfred Wilks)