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a matter of life and death
01
a situation that is not to be ignored or understimated
What is the origin of the idiom "a matter of life and death" and when to use it?
The idiom "a matter of life and death" is used to emphasize the extreme seriousness and significance of a situation, decision, or action, where the outcome could determine whether someone lives or dies. This expression does not have a specific historical origin but is rooted in the fundamental importance of life and survival.
Example
In emergency situations, the ability to remain calm and focused can be a matter of life and death for first responders.
The pilot's quick thinking and precise actions turned a potentially fatal aircraft malfunction into a matter of life and death averted.
The doctor stressed that taking the prescribed medication was a matter of life and death for the patient.
When facing a natural disaster, having an evacuation plan in place becomes a matter of life and death for residents in vulnerable areas.
The survival skills they learned in the wilderness were a matter of life and death during their expedition.