do or die
Meaning: To act out of necessity, even if the outcome is unpleasant (sentences 1 and 2) or to try one's hardest despite the likelihood of failure (sentence 3).
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The expression can function as a noun phrase (sentence 1), a verb (sentence 2), or an adjective (sentence 3). When used as a verb, the expression is never conjugated (i.e., never "does or dies"), and thus is only used with I, we, and they.
More idioms — Daily Life
- do someone a good turn — To do someone a favor without having been asked and without expecting a favor in return.
- dot the i's and cross the t's — To be very careful and attentive to detail.
- down and out — Poor.
- down in the dumps — Depressed.
- down to the wire — To the deadline.
- draw a blank — To be unable to remember.
More English idioms
- draw the line at something — To not allow something beyond a certain acceptable point.
- dressed to kill — Dressed to make a strong impression, usually in fancy or stylish clothes.
- drum someone drummed out of the corps — To expel someone from a group or organization.
- dyed in the wool — Having a trait that is thoroughly ingrained or basic to one's nature.
- eager beaver — A person who is very excited and enthusiastic about pursuing some activity.
- eat one's hat — To do something unpleasant in the case of being proven wrong.
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