either do or die en · VERB
Etymology
An ultimatory verbal phrase composed of the words: either, do, or, and die.
Meanings
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(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
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| either doing or dying | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| either did or died | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| either done or died | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| either does or dies | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| do or die | alternative | lexicographic |