never say die
Never surrender or give up; don't stop trying. No matter how many things go wrong, never say die—we'll find a way to finish this on time. A: "I'll never be any good at guitar." B: "Hey, never say die! You just need to practice."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
Never say die.
Prov. Do not give up. Jill: I don't think I can finish this project in time. Jane: Never say die. Alan: It's no use. I can't make my checkbook balance. Jane: Never say die!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
never say die
Don't ever give up, do not despair, as in This stage set doesn't look too promising, but never say die, it may still work out. This maxim today is often used ironically and deprecatingly, for something that has already failed. [Early 1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
never say die
used to encourage someone not to give up hope in a difficult situation.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
ˌnever say ˈdie
(saying) do not stop trying or hoping for something: Never say die, buddy. I’ve been in worse situations than this. ♢ Billy was an enthusiastic player with the never-say-die attitude that supporters love to see.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
never say die
Never give up. Although the analogy is an obvious one, the phrase dates only from the mid-nineteenth century. Dickens used it in Pickwick Papers (1837), “Never say die—down upon your luck,” and numerous writers did after him. In the twentieth century it was more often used ironically, but in the same meaning—that is, keep on trying against all odds.
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer