He would allow only eggs on his table, because egg-laying meant that the hen had been spared rather than killed.

他只允许鸡蛋上饭桌，因为下鸡蛋意味著老母鸡又开始生长新的鸡蛋而不是一命呜呼。

youdao

I know all about the prophecy that was made at my birth, but I would far rather be killed at once than live such an idle, useless life here trapped here on this mountain.

我已经知道我出生时她们说的所有预言，但我宁可立即被杀死，也不愿在那被大山包围着的城堡里过那种空虚、没有价值的生活。

youdao

But it doesn't matter. I would rather be killed by them than be bitten by the ducks or pecked by the hens.

不过没有关系，我宁愿被他们杀死也不愿被那些鸭子咬或是被那些母鸡啄。

youdao

He said Secretary Clinton's acceptance of Israel's offer to restrain - rather than freeze settlement growth has killed any hope of restarting peace talks anytime soon.

VOA: standard.2009.11.01

Odierno said he hopes Saddam will eventually turn himself in, but he doubts that will happen -- and it would be better if soldiers captured, rather than killed, him.

CNN: U.S. general: Saddam on the run

An animal rights activist said Knut should be killed rather than treated like a domestic pet - a suggestion that triggered a nationwide surge of affection for the cub.

BBC: Polar bear cub Knut was defiant in the face of death threats

This is why people in Indonesia are so committed to freedom of expression and freedom of the press, and we prefer to be killed rather than give up these freedoms.

UNESCO: Communication and Information