one way or the other

one way or the other

1. if you say that you will do something or that something will happen one way or the other, you are determined to do it or that it will happen, although you do not know exactly how. One way or the other, I'm going to finish this job next week.

2. if you have to decide one way or the other, you must choose between two possibilities. They've had a week to think about it and now they must decide one way or the other. It doesn't really matter to me one way or the other. (= it is not important to me which possibility is chosen)

See also: other, way

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one way or the other

1. which of two possibilities will happen or be chosen. They've had a week to think about it, and now they must decide one way or the other. It doesn't really matter to me one way or the other.

2. whatever method is used. One way or the other, this project must be finished by March first.

See also: other, way