idiom
Sink or swim
SINK or SWIM
/sɪŋk ɔːr swɪm/Listen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
sinkorswim
Dictionary meaning
A situation in which one must succeed by one's own efforts or fail completely, with no external help or support provided.
Examples
- The new recruits were thrown into client meetings on day one — it was sink or swim.
- Without mentorship, junior staff were left to sink or swim.
Learn one new pronunciation a day
Get a word, name or idiom like “Sink or swim” in your inbox — daily or weekly, free. Unsubscribe any time.
Something wrong? Suggest a correction