Phrase Explanation: Over My Dead Body

When someone says, “Over my dead body,” they’re strongly refusing to allow something to happen. It’s another way of saying “I will not allow it” or “it will happen only if I’m no longer alive.”

Here are two examples in sentences:

Example 1:
John’s father was so against him buying a motorcycle, he said, “Over my dead body will you get one.”

Example 2:
Sarah was adamant that her friend wouldn’t go on a date with the person who had previously hurt her. She said, “Over my dead body will you go out with him again.”

Now, let’s see two examples in a conversation:

Example 3:
Mike: Hey, Emma! I’m thinking about selling the family house.
Emma: Over my dead body, Mike. That house means a lot to us.

Example 4:
Lisa: Hi, Ben! I’m considering taking a job in another city.
Ben: You’re going to move away and leave your friends and family? Over my dead body, Lisa.

In summary, the phrase “Over my dead body” is used when someone wants to strongly refuse or prevent something from happening. It’s a forceful way of saying “I will not allow it,” often used when the speaker feels very strongly about the issue.

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