Dropping like flies

[sbchan]

What does 'are not dropping like flies' in the following sentence mean? Does it mean "dying"?

As we grind through the longest recession in 75 years, Americans across the land are not dropping like flies. In fact there's a virtual epidemic of people not dying.

[bhaisahab]

What does 'are not dropping like flies' in the following sentence mean? Does it mean "dying"?

As we grind through the longest recession in 75 years, Americans across the land are not dropping like flies. In fact there's a virtual epidemic of people not dying.

Yes, it means dying, especially in large numbers.

[sbchan]

If "dropping like flies" means dying in large number then what is the meaning of 'virtual epidemic' in the sentence following? Does it mean suddenly a large number of people not dying? It's hard to comprehend.

[Barb_D]

The write is being ironic. Usually an epidemic makes a lot of people sick (and probably some of them die). An epidemic of "not dying" sounds like there has been a sudden and significant reduction in the death rate.

[sbchan]

Barb_D,

Thank you for your explanation. The sentence was cited from an article about "one-percent-point rise in the unemployement rate reduces the death rate by 0.5%".

SB

[Barb_D]

The same one with the "stiffs"? Sounds like an odd article - but a good one for learning some interesting phrases!

[sbchan]

Yes. Same article with the "stiffs".

SB