Drive (someone) to an early grave verb phrase
Doing something that can lead to one's premature death
Hearing this noise continually drives me to an early grave.
Looking after these naughty kids all day is going to drive her to an early grave.
Normally, "be going to" will stand in front of this phrase.
The origin of this phrase is not clear.
People are always inclined to flatter or please a rich man by laughing at his joke which may not be a very good one.
Everyone at the table always flatter the boss by praising his humor. A rich man's jokes are always funny.