catch one's death of

catch one's death of or take one's death of  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To become very ill with (a cold, pneumonia, flu).
Johnny fell in the icy water and almost took his death of cold.
Sometimes used in the short form "catch your death."
"Johnny! Come right in here and put your coat and hat on. You'll catch your death!"
Categories: catch death {informal} {v. phr.}