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from my cold, dead hands

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from my cold, dead hands

A phrase used to indicate that someone is unwilling to give something up (thus, the item would need to be pried from one's "cold, dead hands"). The phrase gained popularity after Charlton Heston used it in a speech in support of the National Rifle Association. If you want me to stop practicing at night, you'll have to pry my trumpet from my cold, dead hands!

See also: dead, hand