for dear life
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Related to for dear life: true-to-life
for dear life
As if one's life depends on it (because one is in a dangerous or grave situation, although the phrase can also be used humorously). The hiker grabbed a root as she fell off the cliff, and had to hold on for dear life while she waited for the rescue crew. When the dentist motioned us back into the examination room, my daughter clutched her chair and held on for dear life.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
for dear life
Also, for one's life. Desperately, urgently, so as to save one's life. For example, When the boat capsized, I hung on for dear life, or With the dogs chasing them they ran for their lives, or She wanted that vase but I saw it first and hung on to it for dear life. These expressions are sometimes hyperbolic (that is, one's life may not actually be in danger). The first dates from the mid-1800s, the variant from the first half of the 1600s. Also see for the life of one.
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.
for dear (or your) life
as if or in order to escape death. 1992 Independent I made for the life raft and hung on for dear life.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
for dear ˈlife
,for your ˈlife
because you are in danger: Run for your life! A tiger has escaped from the circus! ♢ They were clinging for dear life to the edge of the rock.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
for dear life
Desperately or urgently: I ran for dear life when I saw the tiger.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.