sink or swim

sink or swim

English

Etymology

Possibly from the practice of throwing a suspected witch into water.

Verb

sink or swim

1. To fail or succeed, no matter what.
   • 1872, Louisa May Alcott, Shawl-Straps, ch. 1:

     "No matter, we are going, live or die, sink or swim; and I shall expect to meet you, all booted and spurred and fit for the fight, April first," said the unwavering Amanda.

   • 1920, Edgar Wallace, Jack O' Judgment, ch. 35:

     "Now, come, Pinto, we're all in this, sink or swim."

Usage notes

• Often used to indicate that, although an endeavor may fail or succeed, it will still be attempted with determination.

Translations

to fail or succeed, on a project attempted

French: marche ou crève (move/walk or expire)

Swedish: bära eller brista (carry/bear or break)