There's an idiom in Hindi
चुल्लू भर पानी में डूब जा
This literally translates – go, die/commit suicide!
The context where it is used –
This phrase is always used in a sarcastic way advising someone to go, die or commit suicide because they could not perform at all in the field they master.
Example –
If I am a pro at the language English and if I cannot explain what is verb, you will say, "चुल्लू भर पानी में डूब जा".
The closest phrase I can think of is Couldn't you explain what is verb? Shame on you. But this is much milder than the idiom in Hindi. What else it could be? Go, hang yourself? Is it valid and understood in the context?
Any suggestions?
Best Answer
Actually, I can think of a few a colloquial expressions used in this situation, at least in my neck of the woods:
...meaning "You better forget about becoming an English major and pick another subject."
...meaning "Don't quit your other job, because you won't make any money as an English major."
...meaning "And you claim to be an English major?..."