fall off (one's) perch
slang To die. I hope not to fall off my perch until I'm old and gray.
fall off the perch
or fall off your perch
BRITISH, OLD-FASHIONED, INFORMALIf someone falls off the perch or falls off their perch, they die. Note: A perch is a pole, branch or other place where a bird sits to rest. He fell off the perch years ago. Note: Other verbs such as drop or topple can be used instead of fall. He'll topple off his perch one morning. You know how it is. Note: This expression is used humorously.