Perish the thought Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Strong Rejection Expresses that you really don't want something to happen or believe it shouldn't. Move to the city? Perish the thought, I love the countryside! Pro Tip 2/3Not Serious It can be used humorously to strongly reject something that's not likely to occur. Me, wake up before sunrise? Perish the thought! Pro Tip 3/3Informal Settings It's used in casual conversation. Avoid using it in formal or serious situations. Give up coffee? Perish the thought!