To be killed or hanged rather than die in bed.
To die while still active in one`s work or doing a job.
Умереть ведя активный образ жизни, а не в постели.
He does not want to retire, he wants to die with his boots on.
Он не хочет выходить в отставку, он хочет умереть не прекращая работать.
My grandfather traveled a lot. He died with his boots on.
Мой дедушка много путешествовал. Он умер, ведя активную жизнь.
The badmen of the Old West usually died in their boots.
The robber said he wanted to die with his boots on.