[Idiom] SINK OR SWIM. - Phrases for Autonomy in Critical Situations
Sink or swim.
/sɪŋk ɔr swɪm/
Succeed or fail by one's own efforts.
The idiom "sink or swim" is used to describe a situation where someone must succeed or fail by their own efforts. Often, this involves a critical test of ability or endurance, leaving no middle ground – like being thrown into the deep end either to sink under the weight of the challenge or swim to safety.
Example Sentences
The new manager will either sink or swim in his first year.
The phrase underlines the pressure on the new manager to either succeed or fail in their first year without any middle ground.
It’s her choice: sink or swim.
It indicates a personal ultimacy where she must independently decide to succeed or fail in her situation.
Given the difficult market conditions, the startup knew it was sink or swim.
This depicts the startup facing a critical test under tough market conditions, where the only options are success or failure.