do-or-die
[doo-er-dahy]
- reflecting or characterized by an irrevocable decision to succeed at all costs; desperate; all-out: a do-or-die attempt to halt the invaders.
- involving a potentially fatal crisis or crucial emergency.
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Origin of do-or-die
First recorded in 1875–80
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for do-or-die
Contemporary Examples
Soon after, Kim visited a naval base and ordered the navy to “raise heroes for do-or-die squads at sea.”
There is some evidence that Geithner himself knows that this is do-or-die time.
Historical Examples
Spud was up next, and this time his face wore a “do-or-die” look.
The Rover Boys Down EastArthur M. Winfield
Simmons came forward with a do-or-die expression on his face.
The Rover Boys in the Land of LuckEdward Stratemeyer
In that ninth inning Roxley came to the bat with a "do-or-die" look.
The Rover Boys on a TourArthur M. Winfield
We're stuck, Corbett, so lay off that last chance, do-or-die routine.
Stand by for Mars!Carey Rockwell
The nose of the freshman boat crept alongside the sophs, whose faces wore a do-or-die look.
Frank Merriwell at YaleBurt L. Standish
do-or-die
- (prenominal) of or involving a determined and sometimes reckless effort to succeed
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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