all or nothing

all or nothing 

1. Lit. everything or nothing at all. Sally would not accept only part of the money. She wanted all or nothing. I can't bargain over trifles. I will have to have all or nothing.

2. Fig. [the best] time to choose to do something or not to do it. It was all or nothing. Tim had to jump off the truck or risk drowning when the truck went into the water. Jane stood at the door of the airplane and checked her parachute. It was all or nothing now. She had to jump or be looked upon as a coward.

See also: nothing

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all or nothing

completely or not at all If she can't be the best she won't even compete. It's all or nothing with her. Tom has an all or nothing approach to relationships.

See also: nothing