life-and-death

[ lahyf-uhn-deth ]

/ ˈlaɪf ənˈdɛθ /

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See synonyms for life-and-death on Thesaurus.com

adjective

ending with the death or possible death of one of the participants; crucially important: The cobra was engaged in a life-and-death struggle with the mongoose.

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Also life-or-death.

Origin of life-and-death

First recorded in 1680–90

How to use life-and-death in a sentence

Israel and the U.S. have a life-and-death interest in maintaining their technological advantage.
Memo to Bibi Netanyahu: It’s Time to Build an Arsenal of Awe|Lloyd Green|December 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Important issues—in some cases, life-and-death issues—are at stake.
Political Football: Tim Tebow vs. New York|Richard Just|September 8, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Bashar also is in a life-and-death struggle to survive today.
Israel’s Dilemma: If It Attacks Iran, Will It Also Have to Hit Hizbullah?|Bruce Riedel|February 9, 2012|DAILY BEAST
My colleagues and I made life-and-death decisions minute by minute for five to six hours a day, five to six days a week.
An Air Traffic Controller Speaks|Bob Richards|April 30, 2011|DAILY BEAST

But this is a life-and-death lifestyle, and a very diverse population.
The Patriotic Stripper|Susannah Breslin|April 20, 2009|DAILY BEAST
The man drove along the rough unmade roads as only an American farmer can drive in a life-and-death hurry.
Babylon, Volume 2 (of 3)|Grant Allen
It was as though a young eagle had brought a flying panther to bay, and forced him to a life-and-death struggle.
'Midst the Wild Carpathians|Mr Jkai
My brother, thou must pray for a soul; struggle, as with life-and-death energy, to get back thy soul!
Past and Present|Thomas Carlyle
The mask was now discarded, and it became evident that we were engaged in a life-and-death struggle.
Sixty Years in Southern California 1853-1913|Harris Newmark
The result would be two great camps, each preparing for a new and greater life-and-death struggle.
The Story of the Great War, Volume VIII (of VIII)|various

Other Idioms and Phrases with life-and-death

life and death

see matter of life and death.

life-and-death

Origin of life-and-death

Words related to life-and-death

How to use life-and-death in a sentence

Other Idioms and Phrases with life-and-death