drop like flies

Idioms  

1. Rapidly collapse, die, or drop out, usually referring to a group rather than an individual. For example, The words were so difficult that the spelling bee contestants were dropping like flies. The simile like flies has meant “in large numbers,” as it does in this expression, since about 1600.

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Example Sentences

Before too long, players started dropping like flies.

From BBC

But, like previous seasons, they are dropping like flies, with shoulder and forearm issues.

From Los Angeles Times

And according to Mr O'Shea, grassroots clubs in the UK - places where up and coming artists often perform live - are "dropping like flies".

From BBC

But with linebackers dropping like flies off the depth chart, there was little choice but to trust that the true freshman could step in.

From Los Angeles Times

“We are the ones in the minority; we’re the ones that are dropping like flies.”

From Los Angeles Times