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• do-or-die
  do-or-die

  adjective

  reflecting or characterized by an irrevocable decision to succeed at all costs; desperate; all-out.
• do or die
  do or die

  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]

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

“I had a choice. Do or die, man. I just couldn’t find a reason to give up. That’s what kept me alive,” he said.

From Washington Post • Sep. 12, 2022

Do or die, now or never, win or bust - whatever you call it, this weekend is the last chance for NFL teams to punch their ticket to the postseason.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2022

The only line of dialogue: "That's how we're gonna go down. Do or die."

From The Verge • Jun. 27, 2016

Do or die, the ad man was determined to come up with the best pencil that ever gave a speech.

From Time Magazine Archive

No feek and weeble expression on our faces but "Do or die" is the look we have in our optics.

From Letters of a Dakota Divorcee by Burr, Jane

Related Words

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