would rather do something than do something;  would sooner do something than do something;  before
He would sooner die than surrender;  He wouldn't be seen dead surrendering;  He will die before he surrenders
I'd rather sleep than see such a bad film;  I'd sleep before I saw such a bad film
I 'll die before I let him marry my daughter
I would sooner die;  I'd rather die!;  I'll die first!
It's better not to answer
It is better to die than to lie