English Expression · Intermediate
do or die
To act with sufficient urgency to result in either immediate success or immediate failure
Pronunciation: say do or die
Meaning
To be determined to succeed or reach a goal regardless of the risks or consequences.
Example
We have to finish this project by tomorrow; it is do or die.
We have to finish this project by tomorrow; it is do or die.
Practice tips
- Practice do or die out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this English expression is for intermediate-level learners.