Idioms

between life and death

between life and death

In a precarious or dangerous situation that could result in one's death. That horrific car accident left Kara between life and death. Jill was between life and death when they rushed her into emergency surgery, but she's expected to make a full recovery, thank goodness. A cat must have gotten to that bird because the poor thing looks to be between life and death.

See also: and, between, death, life

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

between life and death

Fig. in a position where living or dying is an even possibility. (Especially with caught or hovering.) And there I was on the operating table, hovering between life and death. The mountain climber hung by his rope, caught between life and death.

See also: and, between, death, life

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

See also:

References in classic literature

And the more imbued he became with that principle of love, the more he renounced life and the more completely he destroyed that dreadful barrier which- in the absence of such love- stands between life and death. When during those first days he remembered that he would have to die, he said to himself: "Well, what of it?

It was the last spiritual struggle between life and death, in which death gained the victory.

View in context

Copyright © 2003-2025 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.