A matter of life and death

Pro Tip 1/3

Extreme 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 2/3

Metaphorical 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 3/3

Emotional 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.