Definition of "from my cold, dead hands" in English

Prepositional phrase

1. Only after my death.

   • I won't have the government instituting gun control! They can have my shotgun when they pry it from my cold, dead hands.

2. Never; not under any circumstances.

   • You want me to sell you a family heirloom like this? Tsk, you can take it from my cold, dead hands.