do-or-die

[ doo-er-dahy ]

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.

do-or-die

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of do-or-die¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

Soon after, Kim visited a naval base and ordered the navy to “raise heroes for do-or-die squads at sea.”

From The Daily Beast

There is some evidence that Geithner himself knows that this is do-or-die time.

From The Daily Beast

With Belden leading by one run, and the game almost over, Lakeville began the ninth inning with a do-or-die energy.

From Project Gutenberg

She would come back, flushed and a little troubled-looking, but would go on with the dance with a do-or-die expression.

From Project Gutenberg

Brill came to the bat for the third time with a sort of do-or-die look on the faces of the players.

From Project Gutenberg

The stranger had a most impressive and yet absurd air of drunken sternness written in his face, a do-or-die look.

From Project Gutenberg

They listened attentively, and went out on the diamond with a do-or-die expression written on their faces.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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