くらいなら

expression, auxiliary

rather than (do ...)

Attaches to the dictionary form of a verb to express that the speaker would prefer an extreme alternative over doing that action. Often used with ～ほうがましだ or similar comparative endings.

• あんな人ひとに謝あやまるくらいなら、死しんだほうがましだ。

  I'd rather die than apologize to someone like that.

• 毎まい日にちこんなに働はたらくくらいなら、転てん職しょくしたほうがいい。

  If I have to work like this every day, I'd rather change jobs.