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

Now they’re praying Game 6 starter Yoshi Yamamoto can repeat his Game 2 magic and force a do-or-die contest on Saturday.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I don’t know if this is going to be a do-or-die issue,” she said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Daniels doesn’t feel pressure; he’s laughing in the huddle in do-or-die moments.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"It is big. It's not quite do-or-die time but it's getting pretty close."

Read more on BBC

He says he felt it for his new Peacock thriller series, "Teacup," where he plays a complicated father and husband whose family is thrown into a terrifying do-or-die mystery.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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• clash 
• event 
• fight 
• game 
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• tournament 
• trial