1
general::
Produce published work or fall into disfavor. For example, The younger members of the department have a heavier teaching load, but they Also know it's publish or perish. This expression is nearly always used for college or university teachers, for whom advancement frequently is predicated on publishing research in their field. [Mid-1900s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): publish or perish
Fig. [for a professor] to try to publish scholarly books or articles to prevent getting released from a university or falling into disfavor in a university. (Also occurs as other parts of speech. See the examples.) • Alice knew she would have to publish or perish if she took the teaching job. • This is a major research university and publish or perish is the order of the day.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs