do-or-die

[ doo-er-dahy ]

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.

do-or-die

adjective

1. prenominal of or involving a determined and sometimes reckless effort to succeed

Word History and Origins

Origin of do-or-die¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Related Words

• championship
• clash
• event
• fight
• game
• match
• meeting
• race
• rivalry
• sport
• struggle
• tournament
• trial