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• do-or-die
  do-or-die

  adjective

  reflecting or characterized by an irrevocable decision to succeed at all costs; desperate; all-out.
• do or die
  do or die

  Exert supreme effort because failure is close at hand, as in Carol was going to set up the computer, do or die. This hyperbolic expression in effect says one will not be deterred by any obstacle. [c. 1600]

do-or-die

American  

[doo-er-dahy] / ˈdu ərˈdaɪ /

adjective

1. reflecting or characterized by an irrevocable decision to succeed at all costs; desperate; all-out.

   a do-or-die attempt to halt the invaders.

2. involving a potentially fatal crisis or crucial emergency.

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do-or-die British  

adjective

1. (prenominal) of or involving a determined and sometimes reckless effort to succeed

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do or die Idioms  

1. Exert supreme effort because failure is close at hand, as in Carol was going to set up the computer, do or die. This hyperbolic expression in effect says one will not be deterred by any obstacle. [c. 1600]

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Etymology

Origin of do-or-die

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

do-or-die do or die

Chasing a late shooting opportunity, Kerry held on to the ball before Sean O'Shea's do-or-die effort from outside the two-point arc dropped short.

From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026

Now, America can plan for at least one more at its home tournament after surviving the first of its do-or-die tests at this tournament.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026

It urges fans to "join a national debate about what it means to be English" ahead of the "do-or-die clash".

From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026

“Earning points is useless because now comes the important part — do-or-die matches. We’re focused on that.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026

And it occurs to me that even in these do-or-die moments, there’s still space for us to laugh.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Totsuka, 24, crashed on his final run, meaning it was do or die for James in the last run of the competition.

From Barron's ● Feb. 13, 2026

It was practically do or die for a banged-up team that needed to win at least two of its final five games for a realistic chance at the playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 9, 2025

“This is do or die now,” said Australia goalie Mackenzie Arnold.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 4, 2023

"You just know it is do or die," said Curran.

From BBC ● Apr. 5, 2023

“Thank you, Queen Warbeak, my friend. Now we must go. A strategy can be worked out on the way to the Abbey. Let’s hurry. There’s no time to lose. It’s do or die now!”

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Related Words

• championship
• clash
• event
• fight
• game
• match
• meeting
• race
• rivalry
• sport
• struggle
• tournament
• trial