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Reference : Idioms : M : a matter of life and death

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a matter of life and death

Meaning: If something is a matter of life and death, it's extremely important and it could involve someone's survival.

For example:

  • Education about HIV and AIDS is a matter of life and death. If people aren't told to protect themselves with condoms, they could die from the disease.

  • Getting someone to hospital quickly after an accident or a heart attack is a matter of life and death. Just a few minutes can make all the difference.

Quick Quiz:

Al says one of the issues we face that's a matter of life and death for the whole planet is
  1. global warming
  2. illegal immigration
  3. copyright infringement

Discuss: a matter of life and death

Idiom of the Day

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