I would kill for

USAGE SUMMARY

"I would kill for" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that the person is willing to do something extreme or drastic in order to obtain or achieve something. Example: "I would kill for a chance to travel the world." This means that the person wants to travel so badly that they would be willing to do something extreme, such as killing, if it meant they could have the opportunity to travel. Another example: "Sheila would kill for a promotion at work." This means that Sheila really wants a promotion at her job and would do something drastic, like metaphorically killing, to get it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"I would kill for a Frosty".

The New Yorker

I would kill for Larry now.

The New York Times

I would kill for that role.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I would kill for an "Astro" or a "Hello Operator", but greed isn't good.

Independent

"I would kill for a pile of scrumptious cookies," he replied.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But I would kill for him and he would kill for me".

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

I'd kill for a smoke.

The New Yorker

God, I'd kill for a cigarette.

The New Yorker

I'd kill for a "Flo from Progressive" commercial even.

The Guardian - Sport

"Right now I'd kill for a latke". "Good luck finding potatoes to make one with," you say dryly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

'I 'd kill for my Louboutin espadrilles right now!' she sighs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I would kill for" to express a strong, often humorous, desire for something. It adds emphasis but be mindful of the context to avoid being misconstrued as threatening.

Common error

Avoid using "I would kill for" in situations where it could be taken literally or cause genuine concern. It's meant to be hyperbole, so ensure the context makes that clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I would kill for" functions as an intensifier, expressing a very strong desire or craving. It's a hyperbolic statement used to emphasize how much someone wants something, as Ludwig AI explains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I would kill for" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a strong desire or craving. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in informal contexts to add emphasis and a touch of humor. While primarily found in news, media, and lifestyle content, it's important to remember its hyperbolic nature and use it judiciously to avoid misinterpretations. Consider alternatives like "I'm dying for" or "I desperately want" for more formal settings. When using "I would kill for", ensure the context clearly conveys its non-literal intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm dying for

This expresses a strong craving or desire, but uses a less violent metaphor.

I'm longing for

This indicates a deep yearning or intense desire for something.

I'm craving

This suggests a strong desire, especially for food or something enjoyable.

I desperately want

This emphasizes the intensity and urgency of the desire.

I'm eager for

Implies enthusiasm and anticipation for something.

I greatly desire

A more formal way to express a strong wish.

I'm really after

Indicates a strong pursuit or ambition for something.

I'm keen on

Expresses interest and enthusiasm.

I have a strong urge for

Highlights the compelling nature of the desire.

I'm in need of

Expresses necessity and desire.

FAQs

How can I use "I would kill for" in a sentence?

Use "I would kill for" to express a strong desire for something, like "I would kill for a day at the beach" or "I would kill for a good night's sleep".

What's a less dramatic alternative to "I would kill for"?

You could use alternatives like "I'm dying for", "I'm longing for", or "I desperately want" to express a strong desire in a less hyperbolic way.

Is it appropriate to use "I would kill for" in formal writing?

No, "I would kill for" is generally too informal and hyperbolic for formal writing. Opt for more measured expressions of desire.

What is the origin of the expression "I would kill for"?

The phrase "I would kill for" is a common hyperbole used to emphasize a strong desire. Its origins are difficult to pinpoint exactly, but it's a long-standing idiom in English.