or else

Idioms  

1. Otherwise, in different circumstances, as in Present your case now, or else you won't have a chance . [c. 1300]

2. Regardless of any extenuating circumstances, no matter what, as in Be there on time or else! [Second half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

or else

Victor Hugo once remarked that history must neglect many particulars of the past, or else “the infinity would overwhelm it.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

The paper says senior economists are warning that the new prime minister will need to raise taxes, or else risk failing to deliver on his raft of "bolder policy pledges".

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

If we must open ourselves up to books, are there any that either ameliorate this danger, or else make reading them worthwhile?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026

However, as C.K.’s supporters love to point out, he was never charged with anything, and even he knows he’d better mind that gap or else.

From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2026

“Grandpa must of been mighty lonesome, or else mighty anxious to get the house cleaned up,” said I. “It ain’t like him to pay that much for anything.”

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns