like grim death

like grim death

With a very tight, intense, and determined grip. After the ladder tipped over, I hung onto the edge of the roof like grim death. Even on the sheerest of cliff faces, there are still small animals and bits of vegetation clung like grim death.

See also: death, grim, like

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

like grim death

mainly BRITISH

If you hold onto something like grim death, you hold onto it very tightly. I clung to the chain like grim death.

See also: death, grim, like

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

like (or for) grim death

with intense determination.

1989 Jonathan Gash Jade Woman Here and there a greenish scumble of vegetation hung on for grim death.

See also: death, grim, like

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017