PhrasesHub

a now or never

    Definitions

      • emphasize urgency
        Stress the importance of taking immediate action or seizing a fleeting opportunity

      • decisive moment
        Signify a critical point in time where a choice must be made that will have significant consequences

    Examples of a now or never

    • She decided to quit her job "a now or never". The situation at work was becoming intolerable, and she could not put off her decision any longer.

      The phrase "a now or never" is used to emphasize the urgency and importance of taking immediate action. In this case, the speaker is using it to indicate that she has been considering quitting her job for some time, but now the circumstances have reached a critical point where delaying any longer would be futile.

    • The city authorities announced that they were closing down the old bridge "a now or never". The structure was in a state of disrepair and posed a serious safety risk to the public.

      Here, "a now or never" is used to indicate that the bridge had been in a dilapidated state for some time and that the authorities had been contemplating closing it down. However, due to the worsening condition of the bridge, they have decided to take immediate action as further delay could result in serious consequences.

    • The sales team was offered a tempting discount "a now or never". The offer was valid for a limited period, after which the prices would go up by 10%.

      In this example, "a now or never" is used to indicate that the discount is available for a limited time only. The speaker may be trying to persuade someone to avail of the offer immediately before the discount expires.

    • The company introduced a new product "a now or never". The market was highly competitive, and they had to act quickly to establish a market presence.

      The phrase "a now or never" is used to indicate that the company was entering a highly competitive market with a new product. They had to take immediate action to establish a foothold in the market before their competitors gained a substantial lead.

    • James had been waiting for this opportunity for years, and he knew that if he didn't take it now, he might never get another chance. He made the decision to pursue the job offer, knowing that it was a now or never situation.

      When we say that something is a now or never situation, we mean that it is a choice that must be made immediately, as delaying the decision may result in losing the opportunity forever. In James' case, the job offer came unexpectedly and he realized that if he hesitated, another candidate might be chosen for the role. So, he took the risk and made the decision to accept the job offer, knowing that it might be the only chance he would ever have to advance in his career.

    • Sarah had been saving up for a dream vacation to Japan for over a year. She had researched the trip extensively and made all the necessary arrangements. However, just a week before she was supposed to leave, a typhoon hit Japan, causing cancellations and flights being grounded. Sarah knew that if she didn't go now, she might never have another chance to take this trip, as she didn't want to go during the typhoon season again. She decided to take the risk and set off on her trip, despite the bad weather, which turned out to be an unforgettable adventure.

      In Sarah's case, the now or never situation was caused by an unexpected event, which threatened to ruin her plans. However, she knew that if she waited, she might miss the opportunity altogether. So, she weighed the risks and decided to take the chance, which turned out to be a great decision in the end.

    • Lisa had been diagnosed with a serious illness, and her doctor told her that she needed to undergo a risky surgery immediately, as delaying it could lead to more complications. Lisa knew that it was a now or never situation, and so she made the decision to go ahead with the surgery, despite the risks.

      When we say that something is a now or never situation in the context of health, it means that delaying a medical treatment or procedure can lead to more serious complications, which might make it too late for any further interventions. Lisa realized that if she waited, her condition might worsen, and so she took the risk and underwent the surgery, which turned out to be a success.

    • Mark had been thinking about asking his girlfriend to marry him for a long time, but he was unsure about her answer. He knew that if he didn't ask soon, he might lose his chance forever. So, he decided to take the risk and propose to her, even though he was a bit nervous about her reaction.

      A now or never situation in the context of relationships refers to an opportunity that might not present itself again, for example, when a partner shows signs of wanting to end the relationship. In Mark's case, he realized that if he waited, his girlfriend might change her mind or meet someone else, and so he took the risk and proposed to her, which led to a happy marriage.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a now or never" is often used to convey a sense of urgency or importance in making a decision or taking action. It suggests that there is a limited window of opportunity or a critical moment that must be seized upon without hesitation. By emphasizing the need for immediate action, the idiom encourages individuals to act decisively and not procrastinate when faced with important choices or opportunities. It serves as a reminder that some chances may not come again, and that taking action now is crucial for achieving desired outcomes.

    Origin of "a now or never"

    The origins of the idiom "a now or never" can be traced back to the English language and its use in emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities or making timely decisions. The phrase likely evolved from the concept of time-sensitive situations where immediate action is required to achieve a desired outcome. The use of "now" emphasizes the immediacy of the situation, while "never" highlights the potential consequences of inaction or missed opportunities. Over time, the idiom has become a common expression to convey urgency and the need for timely decision-making in various contexts. Its simplicity and directness make it a powerful tool for motivating individuals to act quickly and decisively when faced with critical choices or opportunities.