Your money or your life

Definitions

demand for payment
To threaten someone to give up their money in exchange for sparing their life
emphasize the value of something over money
To express the idea that one's life is more valuable than money, often used humorously or sarcastically

Examples of Your money or your life

The notorious gang leader held a gun to the bank manager's head and demanded, "Your money or your life!"

In this example, the idiom "Your money or your life" is used as a direct threat. The speaker forces the bank manager to make a difficult decision - either hand over the money or risk losing his life.
The CEO faced a difficult dilemma: accept a deal that would significantly benefit the company, but also have severe repercussions for their personal wealth, or refuse the offer and potentially harm the company's future prospects. They took a deep breath and said, "Your money or your life!"

Here, the speaker uses the idiom to convey the gravity of the situation. They are facing a choice that will impact both their personal financial situation and the success of the company, and they recognize the seriousness of the decision.
"Your money or your life" is a popular choice for the final question on game shows, where contestants must either walk away with a substantial amount of money or continue playing for the chance to win an even larger prize.

The use of this idiom in this context highlights the potential risks and rewards of making a decision. Contestants are given the option to accept the money they have already earned or push their luck and potentially win more, but they also run the risk of losing everything if they make the wrong choice.
The salesman leaned over the desk and said, "We're offering you a special promotion today: either pay for the product now, or we'll double the price tomorrow." The customer hesitated. "Your money or your life!" said the salesman, grinning.

In this example, the salesman uses the idiom to put pressure on the customer. By presenting the offer in such a dramatic way, the salesman makes the customer feel like they have a difficult choice to make, even though the decision is ultimately simple: pay now or pay more later.
The notorious bank robber had the entire bank hostage and demanded, "Your money or your life!"

This is a classic example of the idiom "your money or your life." It is commonly used to describe a situation where an individual is forced to make a difficult decision between compromising their financial resources or risking their own life. In this scenario, the bank robber has threatened the lives of the hostages and demanded that they surrender the bank's funds or face severe consequences. The hostages are essentially being given a choice between their money and their lives.
The ruthless businessman was in a tough negotiation with his rival, who threatened, "Your business or your family!"

This example showcases the versatility of the idiom "your money or your life." While traditionally used in high-stakes situations involving dangerous circumstances, it can also be applied to less physically harmful circumstances. In this case, the businessman's rival is attempting to force him to make a difficult decision by threatening his business or his family. The idiom is used to convey the intense pressure and gravity of the situation.
The detective faced a dilemma in his investigation when he received a note, "Your freedom or your partner's life!"

This example demonstrates the power and adaptability of the idiom "your money or your life." While it is typically used in scenarios where financial resources or physical safety are at stake, it can also be employed in more intangible situations. In this case, the detective is presented with a difficult choice between his own personal liberty and the life of his partner. The idiom is used to convey the gravity and urgency of the situation, as the detective is forced to make a life-altering decision.
The fugitive held the innocent bystander at gunpoint and barked, "Your life or your car keys!"

This example illustrates the flexibility and versatility of the idiom "your money or your life." While it is classically associated with situations where an individual is coerced into relinquishing financial resources or putting themselves in harm's way, it can also be applied to more mundane circumstances. In this case, the fugitive has drawn a gun on an innocent bystander and is demanding their keys, threatening their life in the process. The idiom is used to clearly communicate the gravity and immediacy of the situation, as the bystander is presented with a life-threatening decision.

Conclusion

The idiom "Your money or your life" can be used in two main ways. The first is to demand payment from someone by threatening harm if they do not comply. The second is to emphasize the value of something over money, typically one's own life. This idiom is often used in a lighthearted or exaggerated manner to make a point about the importance of life over material possessions.

Origin of "Your money or your life"

The origin of the idiom "Your money or your life" can be traced back to the 18th century, when highwaymen and bandits would use this phrase when robbing travelers. It was a direct and threatening demand for money, accompanied by the threat of violence if the demand was not met. Over time, the phrase has evolved to also convey the idea that life is more valuable than money, often used in humorous or ironic contexts.

An example of this idiom's use in popular culture is in the classic comedy routine of Jack Benny, a famous comedian known for his humorous portrayal of a miserly character. In one of his routines, he is held up by a robber who demands, "Your money or your life." When Benny does not respond, the robber impatiently repeats the demand, to which Benny quips, "I'm thinking, I'm thinking!" This example highlights the comedic and exaggerated nature of the idiom's use to emphasize the value of life over money.