Die with (one's) boots on spoken language verb phrase
Used to describe dying while one is actively working.
I rather die with my boots on than retiring now.
They were brave soldiers and died with their boots on.
My grandfather died with his boots on when fighting for the nation's peace.
You really wanna die with your boots on at work? Is it worth it?
1. One's success has gone down or ended.
2. One has passed away.
To die
Used in a situation in which you are defeated or killed.
It's mostly used in the present tense.