To Die For

At my institute, we have a six-month teacher training program for Korean teachers.  One of the things that I do in that program is a murder mystery.  It is a unique experience that allows trainees to practice speaking in a fun role play.  So, I thought my phrase today should be related to murder.  I chose the phrase, to die for.

To die for is a hyperbolic (exaggerated) statement to express desire.  It is saying that you want something so much that you are willing to die for it.  I am reminded of the song by Jan Arden, “I Would Die For You”.  She is professing her love by saying that when is willing to die for the other person.  Caring so much for someone or something that you are willing to die for them is a powerful statement.  In common use, to die for is meant to be hyperbolic and not taken literally.  It is like saying that something is amazing.

Example:  This bulgogi is to die for. 

I should also mention the phrase, dying to.  It has a similar function to to die for.  To die for is used for nouns and dying to is used for verbs.

Example:  I just got a new board game.  I am dying to try it. 

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References:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/proimos/4341950907