What does “Matter of life and death” mean?
"Matter of life and death" means a situation that is extremely serious and could result in someone's life being in danger.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The doctor said it was a matter of life and death and rushed the patient into surgery.
Example
The firefighters arrived at the burning building, knowing it was a matter of life and death for anyone trapped inside.
Example
The hiker lost his way in the wilderness, and it became a matter of life and death to find him before nightfall
Is “Matter of life and death” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Matter of life and death” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Matter of life and death” effectively in context?
You can use "Matter of life and death" to emphasize the seriousness and urgency of a situation, particularly when someone's life is at stake. For example, if a friend is hesitating to call an ambulance for a severely injured person, you might say, 'Don't hesitate, it's a matter of life and death.'
- 1Medical Emergency
The doctor said it was a matter of life and death and rushed the patient into surgery.
- 2Rescue Operation
The firefighters arrived at the burning building, knowing it was a matter of life and death for anyone trapped inside.
- 3Search and Rescue
The hiker lost his way in the wilderness, and it became a matter of life and death to find him before nightfall.
Similar phrases to “Matter of life and death”:
Critical condition
A state of extreme seriousness or urgency
Example
The patient was in critical condition and needed immediate medical attention.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Matter of life and death” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Matter of life and death" is unknown.
Is “Matter of life and death” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Matter of life and death" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to convey the gravity of a situation and to emphasize the importance of taking immediate action.
What tone does “Matter of life and death” have?
"Matter of life and death" conveys a tone of urgency and seriousness. It is typically used in critical situations where the stakes are high and time is of the essence.
Can “Matter of life and death” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Matter of life and death" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that effectively communicates the severity of a situation. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, as well as in professional or emergency situations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The doctor said it was a matter of life and death.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's a matter of life and death!' to stress the urgency of a situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- emergency
- urgent matter
- critical situation
- life-threatening
- crucial moment
Antonyms
- routine
- insignificant
- trivial matter
- inconsequential situation
- non-life-threatening
