1
general::
Phrase(s): do or die
Fig. trying as hard as one can. • I was determined to get there—do or die. • (Used as an attributive) He has the obsessive do-or-die attitude.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Exert supreme effort because failure is close at hand, as in Carol was going to set up the computer, do or die. This hyperbolic expression in effect says one will not be deterred by any obstacle. [c. 1600]
American Heritage Idioms