or else!

INFORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase or else!

Meaning

If you add "or else!" to a command or a demand, it becomes an implied threat.

For example

  • "Tell us what we want to know, or else!"

  • "Get the money by tomorrow, or else! You understand?"

Note:
When used in this way, "or else!" creates a threat without stating what the threat actually is. By contrast, a stated threat is "Get the money by tomorrow, or else I'll kill you!"

Quick Quiz

If a thief says "Give me your money, or else!", he's

a. threatening to call the police

b. threatening to let you go

c. threatening to hurt you
a) threatening to call the police b) threatening to let you go c) threatening to hurt you

Contributor: Matt Errey