sink or swim

English

Etymology

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

Verb

sink or swim

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)

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