Or else

Definición y Significado de "or else"

or else

used to imagine how things would be if the situation was different

What is the origin of the idiom "or else" and when to use it?

The idiom "or else" is believed to have originated from Middle English, evolving from the combination of the Old English words "ēr" (before) and "elles" (else). It is commonly used in English to introduce a consequence or alternative course of action that will occur if a specified condition is not met. This expression is used to suggest a possible outcome or consequence that might follow if circumstances were to change.

Example

I ’m sure they ’re safe, or else we ’d have heard something.

They ca n't want it, or else they'd request it.

used to threaten someone or seriously warn them

Idiom

Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "or else" and when to use it?

The idiom "or else" likely originates from Old English and has been in use for centuries. It is used to introduce a consequence, typically a negative one, that will occur if a specific action or condition is not met.

Example

Hand over the money, or else!

Confess to what you did, or else!

used for suggesting an alternative

Example

Either he ’s asleep, or else he ’s just ignoring me.

You could drive across France, or else fly to Geneva and hire a car.

or else

CONJUNCIÓN

o sino, o de lo contrario

used to give warning to someone that bad things will happen if something does not happen the way one expects or they do not do something as one says