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UKsink or swim
/sˈɪŋk ɔː swˈɪm/
/sˈɪŋk ɔːɹ swˈɪm/to sink or swim
[PHRASE]
What is the origin of the idiom "sink or swim" and when to use it?
The origin of this idiom comes from swimming, where a person is either able to stay afloat and swim or will sink and drown. The idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is left with no choice but to succeed or fail on their own, without any help or support. The phrase suggests that the situation is challenging, and that the outcome is uncertain, but that the person must do their best to succeed.
Examples
1. When Jane started her own business, she was left to sink or swim, with no one to guide her through the process.
2. In life, we're often faced with situations where we're left to sink or swim - it's up to us to take control and make the best of the situation.
3. and, you know, sink or swim.
4. This total lack of visual flair means that the flick was left to sink or swim on the strength of its script alone which, as noted above, is patently absurd.
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