Sink or swim
phrase
To either succeed or fail completely, without any help.
When I started my new job, my boss didn't provide any training. It was sink or swim.
Often appears as...
- it's sink or swim
- sink or swim moment
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To either succeed or fail completely, without any help.
When I started my new job, my boss didn't provide any training. It was sink or swim.
Often appears as...
- it's sink or swim
- sink or swim moment
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Success Pressure
The phrase implies a high-stakes situation where performance determines outcome without external assistance.
In the final round of the competition, it was sink or swim for the contestants.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Metaphor
'Sink or swim' often refers to scenarios that test one's ability to endure or manage without guidance.
She moved abroad alone for college—definitely a sink or swim experience.
Pro Tip 3/3Self-reliance
The phrase highlights situations where individuals must rely on their own resources or skills.
With no one else to rely on, it's a sink or swim situation for small business owners.
Pro Tip 1/3Success Pressure
The phrase implies a high-stakes situation where performance determines outcome without external assistance.
In the final round of the competition, it was sink or swim for the contestants.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Metaphor
'Sink or swim' often refers to scenarios that test one's ability to endure or manage without guidance.
She moved abroad alone for college—definitely a sink or swim experience.
Pro Tip 3/3Self-reliance
The phrase highlights situations where individuals must rely on their own resources or skills.
With no one else to rely on, it's a sink or swim situation for small business owners.
Pro Tip 1/3Success Pressure
The phrase implies a high-stakes situation where performance determines outcome without external assistance.
In the final round of the competition, it was sink or swim for the contestants.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Metaphor
'Sink or swim' often refers to scenarios that test one's ability to endure or manage without guidance.
She moved abroad alone for college—definitely a sink or swim experience.
Pro Tip 3/3Self-reliance
The phrase highlights situations where individuals must rely on their own resources or skills.
With no one else to rely on, it's a sink or swim situation for small business owners.
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