life-and-death
[
lahyf
-
uh
n-
deth
]
/ˈlaɪf ənˈdɛθ/
adjective
1.
ending with the death or possible death of one of the participants; crucially important:
The cobra was engaged in a life-and-death struggle with the mongoose.
Also,
life-or-death
.
Origin
1680-90
Idioms and Phrases with
life and death
life and death
see:
matter of life and death