do-or-die
adjective
reflecting or characterized by an irrevocable decision to succeed at all costs; desperate; all-out.
do-or-die
American
[doo-er-dahy]
/ ˈdu ərˈdaɪ /
adjective
-
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.
do-or-die
British
adjective
do or die
Idioms
Etymology
Origin of do-or-die
First recorded in 1875–80
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
“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
From here on out, it’s the knockout rounds, do-or-die, win for national glory, or go to the airport and dine on our $8 cheese sticks.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026
The full gamut of emotions synonymous with do-or-die international football was on display as the Republic of Ireland's World Cup dream was left in ruins following a devastating penalty shootout defeat by the Czech Republic.
From BBC ● Mar. 27, 2026
"It was a do-or-die decision," says Arun Srinivas.
From BBC ● Mar. 26, 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
His changes influence the game, and I think with Arsenal winning it's do or die and City put in a solid performance.
From BBC ● Feb. 8, 2026
"This is do or die," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of sending in Glasnow after closer Roki Sasaki got into trouble.
From Barron's ● Nov. 1, 2025
“It’s do or die for us out here right now.”
From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2024
“It’s really do or die for him, make or break. Finally time to show that he’s a capable candidate. And if he doesn’t,” he added, “I think this could be the end.”
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 22, 2023
I collapse back onto the floor, thinking about how it’s do or die now.
From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
