" A fate worse than death "
Meaning:
The reputed opinion of sexual intercourse by prim Victorian ladies.
Example:
Lord Carruthers dragged me to his bedroom and left me in no doubt I was to suffer a fate worse than death.
Where did it originate?:
The United Kingdom.
Where is it used?:
Worldwide, but now considered rather old-fashioned and used mainly by the older generation.
Hear the idiom spoken: