Meaning of the word "old maids lead apes in hell" in English

What does "old maids lead apes in hell" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

old maids lead apes in hell

US /oʊld meɪdz liːd eɪps ɪn hɛl/
UK /əʊld meɪdz liːd eɪps ɪn hɛl/
"old maids lead apes in hell" picture

Idiom

a proverbial saying suggesting that women who die unmarried will be punished or have a lowly status in the afterlife

Example:
In Shakespeare's time, it was a common joke that old maids lead apes in hell.
She laughed at the old superstition that old maids lead apes in hell.