make or break
verb1
To be a crucial factor in determining the success of something.
- Vince knew that his ability to come up with a catchy hook would make or break his song.
- Related terms
- make-or-break, do or die, sink or swim, defining moment
make-or-break
adjalso spelled make-or-break1
Resulting in either success or failure.
- Prince Harry is taking girlfriend Chelsy Davy on a make-or-break African holiday in a bid to heal their troubled relationship.
- Related terms
- make-and-break, critical mass, defining moment, sink or swim