A matter of life and death
noun phrase
Something extremely important or serious, maybe causing someone's death if not handled well.
Finding a cure for this disease is a matter of life and death for many people.
Often appears as...
- situation is a matter of life and death
- becomes a matter of life and death
Usage tips
Serious
noun phrase
Something extremely important or serious, maybe causing someone's death if not handled well.
Finding a cure for this disease is a matter of life and death for many people.
Often appears as...
- situation is a matter of life and death
- becomes a matter of life and death
Usage tips
Serious
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Extreme Urgency
Use it to express a situation requiring immediate attention or action to avoid disaster.
The fire in the building made evacuation a matter of life and death.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Usage
Sometimes used to exaggerate the importance of a non-critical situation for effect.
Getting tickets to the concert is a matter of life and death for some fans.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Weight
It carries strong emotional implications; use it to show deep concern or to stress the seriousness of a situation.
For the stranded climbers, rescue efforts were a matter of life and death.
Pro Tip 1/3Extreme Urgency
Use it to express a situation requiring immediate attention or action to avoid disaster.
The fire in the building made evacuation a matter of life and death.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Usage
Sometimes used to exaggerate the importance of a non-critical situation for effect.
Getting tickets to the concert is a matter of life and death for some fans.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Weight
It carries strong emotional implications; use it to show deep concern or to stress the seriousness of a situation.
For the stranded climbers, rescue efforts were a matter of life and death.
Pro Tip 1/3Extreme Urgency
Use it to express a situation requiring immediate attention or action to avoid disaster.
The fire in the building made evacuation a matter of life and death.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Usage
Sometimes used to exaggerate the importance of a non-critical situation for effect.
Getting tickets to the concert is a matter of life and death for some fans.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Weight
It carries strong emotional implications; use it to show deep concern or to stress the seriousness of a situation.
For the stranded climbers, rescue efforts were a matter of life and death.
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