do-or-die defense

noun

UK /ˌduː ɔː ˈdaɪ dɪˈfens/

US /ˌduː ɔːr ˈdaɪ dɪˈfens/

A do-or-die defense is a very strong effort to stop the other team when you must win.

The team played a do-or-die defense in the last minute and kept the other side from scoring.

SYNONYMS

last-stand defense all-out defense desperate defense must-win defense do-or-die effort

RELATED WORDS

defense goalkeeping backline tackling last stand

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A defensive strategy used when losing means elimination from a competition.

With their season on the line, the players switched to a do-or-die defense.

3. Any final, all-out effort to protect something important.

The villagers mounted a do-or-die defense of the bridge.

4. In sports commentary, a defense that takes big risks to stop the opponent.

Their do-or-die defense left the goal open but stopped the attack.