the death by a thousand cuts.

[Kati Svaby]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #331 "English Slang Idioms (52)", question 8

His car broke down, his roof leaked and he owed more income tax than he expected. He felt like he was experiencing the death by a thousand ..........

(a) needles
(b) cuts
(c) burns
(d) knives

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #331 "English Slang Idioms (52)", answer 8

His car broke down, his roof leaked and he owed more income tax than he expected. He felt like he was experiencing the death by a thousand cuts.

Correct answer: (b) cuts
_________________________

His car absolutely broke down step by step that's why he feels like he is experiencing the death by a thousand cuts.
Death of thousand cuts existed in China, a slow death by the torture.As idiom: we say when lots of bad things are happening, none of which are fatal in themselves, but which add up to a slow and painful death.
_________________
We always deceive ourselves twice about the people we love - first to their advantage, then to their disadvantage.