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

Then there was that do-or-die two-point conversion that seemingly fell incomplete… but later was reversed.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

Related Words

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