PhrasesHub

Sink or swim

    Definitions

      • to succeed or fail on one's own abilities
        Expressing the idea that someone must rely on their own skills and efforts to achieve success or survive in a difficult situation

      • to face a challenge
        Referring to the idea that someone must confront and overcome a difficult or daunting task or situation, often with no assistance or support

      • drastic change or transformation
        Describing a situation where a person or group must adapt quickly to a new and challenging environment or circumstances, often with little preparation or guidance

      • all or nothing
        Representing the idea that there is no middle ground or compromise in a situation, and that one must either succeed or fail entirely

    Examples of Sink or swim

    • When Sarah started her new job, her boss threw her into the deep end and told her, "Sink or swim, it's up to you to make it work."

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is forced to deal with a difficult or challenging situation with little or no support, leaving them to either succeed or fail on their own. The phrase "sink or swim" refers to the concept of being either successful (swimming) or unsuccessful (sinking) when faced with a difficult situation. In this example, Sarah's boss is essentially telling her that she will need to learn and adapt quickly in order to succeed in her new role, as there will be no one there to help her along the way.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "sink or swim" is a commonly used expression that conveys the idea of relying solely on one's own abilities and efforts to succeed or survive in a challenging situation. It can also refer to facing and overcoming a difficult task or adapting to a new and demanding circumstance. Additionally, the idiom can be used to describe a situation where there is no middle ground or compromise, and one must either succeed completely or fail entirely.

    Origin of "Sink or swim"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the early 1700s, where it was first used in the context of swimming. The phrase "sink or swim" was used to describe the act of staying afloat or drowning in water. Over time, it evolved to be used figuratively to describe a person's ability to thrive or fail in a challenging situation.

    Some theories suggest that the idiom may have originated from the survival instincts of animals, where they must either adapt and survive or succumb to their environment. Others believe that it may have been influenced by the biblical story of Peter walking on water and his faith being tested.

    Regardless of its exact origin, "sink or swim" has become a widely used idiom in the English language, representing the idea of relying on one's own abilities and facing challenges head-on.