humorous to be the worst thing that can happen to you.
When you're 16, an evening at home with your parents is a fate worse than death.
be a fate worse than death
To be a very unpleasant situation or experience. This phrase is usually used hyperbolically, especially when referring to some form of punishment. It will be a fate worse than death if my parents catch me sneaking in after curfew.I appreciate Gina inviting me to go with her to the theater, but having to listen to those opera singers would be a fate worse than death.