Etymology An adjectival phrase composed of the words: do, or, and die all conjoined by hyphens.
1
Idiomatic Requiring a determined or desperate effort in order to avoid the consequences of failure.
At that period the L.N.W.R., with its Webb compounds, was addicted to late arrivals at Carlisle and the Caledonian proceeded to make up the arrears with a "do-or-die" attitude.1959 February 23, A. G. Dunbar, “The "Dunalastair I" 4-4-0s of the Caledonian”, in Trains Illustrated, page 86:
The do-or-die mentality gambaru permeates Japanese society, where the pursuit of a goal can carry more significance than the outcome.2020 August 24, Kaori Enjoji, “‘Do or die’ mentality brings Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to the brink”, in CNN, archived from the original on 23 May 2025:
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This could be our do-or-die moment — with Democrats holding the White House and barely controlling Congress, this may be the country’s last best political opportunity to do something big on the climate.2021 June 30, Farhad Manjoo, “Democrats Have a Year to Save the Planet”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 30 Aug 2021:
Etymology An ultimatory verbal phrase composed of the words: do, or, and die.
1
Idiomatic To act with sufficient urgency to result in either immediate success or immediate failure.
Emanuel: Bless us, dear Fortune! / Armusia: Let us be worthy of it in our courage, and Fortune must befriend us. Come, all sever; but keep still within sight: when the flame rises let's meet, and either do or die.1621 (first literary attestation), John Fletcher, The Island Princess act 2.scene 2
Lay the proud Usurpers low! / Tyrants fall in every foe! / Liberty's in every blow! / Let us do or die!1793, Robert Burns, Robert Bruce's March To Bannockburn 6th stanza.4th line
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Here is a mantra, a short one, that I give you. You may imprint it on your hearts and let every breath of yours give expression to it. The mantra is : ‘Do or Die’. We shall either free India or die in the attempt; we shall not live to see the perpetuation of our slavery.1942, Mahatma Gandhi, Address before the A.I.C.C. at Bombay on 08/08/1942, 8th paragraph at the beginning
do or die
adj
Etymology An adjectival phrase composed of the words: do, or, and die.
1
Idiomatic Requiring a determined or desperate effort to avoid the consequences of failure.
Clinton and Dole brought different needs to the debate. For Dole it was do or die. He had to hit Clinton hard but without seeming harsh, a conundrum for him all year.1996 October 14, “Clinton v. Dole: Let the Debates Begin”, in Time: