death by a thousand cuts

== English == === Etymology === (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.) === Noun === death by a thousand cuts (countable and uncountable, plural deaths by a thousand cuts) Lingchi, a form of execution. (figurative) A gradual decline or failure as the result of many minor mishaps. ==== Derived terms ==== death by a thousand paper cuts === See also === Chinese water torture