What is another word for sink or swim?

Pronunciation: [sˈɪŋk ɔː swˈɪm] (IPA)

"Sink or swim" is an idiom used to describe a situation where one must either succeed or fail completely. Other phrases that can be used interchangeably with "sink or swim" include "do or die," "make it or break it," "survive or perish," "sink or sail," and "sink or float." These phrases emphasize the high stakes of a situation and the importance of taking action to either succeed or fail. These idioms are often used in situations where one's future, financial security, or reputation is at risk, such as the first year of a new job, starting a business, or entering a new market.

Synonyms for Sink or swim:

What are the hypernyms for Sink or swim?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

Famous quotes with Sink or swim

  • Poverty is uncomfortable; but nine times out of ten the best thing that can happen to a young man is to be tossed overboard and compelled to sink or swim.
    James A. Garfield
  • In this business you either sink or swim or you don't.
    David Smith
  • How did Biot arrive at the partial differential equation? [the heat conduction equation] . . . Perhaps Laplace gave Biot the equation and left him to sink or swim for a few years in trying to derive it. That would have been merely an instance of the way great mathematicians since the very beginnings of mathematical research have effortlessly maintained their superiority over ordinary mortals.
    Clifford Truesdell
  • In this business you either sink or swim or you don't.
    David Smith
  • Each experience of life can make you either bitter or better. Each challenge can either make you stronger or break you apart. Every unexpected wave can make you either sink or swim. The choice is always yours whether you want to be a Victim or a Victor. Life is what you make of it - with the choices you make every moment. Make a good one!
    Deodatta V. Shenai-Khatkhate

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