matter of life and death, a

A very urgent issue, situation, or circumstance. This expression can be used either literally, as in She told the doctor to hurry as it was a matter of life and death, or hyperbolically, as in Don't worry about finishing on time—it's hardly a matter of life and death. First recorded in 1849, it alludes to such urgency that someone's life depends on it. Although a matter of life or death would make more sense, it is rarely put that way.

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

For our country, it is a matter of life and death, a matter of our historical future as a nation.

From

“The court will not accept as an expert advisor to it on a matter of life and death a man who defies science so firmly established as beyond rational dispute,” Judge Thomas Moukawsher said.

From

“For many communities it’s a matter of life and death, a matter of having the American dream or being denied it.”

From

Before the speech, Booker stressed the urgency of reform, saying that for minority communities, change was “a matter of life and death, a matter of having the American dream or being denied it”.

From

Politics in Nigeria is often a matter of life and death,a situation perpetuated by the laws that govern the land.

From

matter of fact, a matter of opinion, a

Browse