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all or nothing

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all or nothing

1. Everything one desires or nothing at all. In this mindset, the only acceptable outcome is everything that a person desires (the perfect option); anything else is rejected. You need to ditch this all or nothing mentality. Every man you date is going to be flawed in some way! The college application process cannot be all or nothing—you really need to apply to a variety of schools.

2. The last chance to do something. Of course that team got into the playoffs at the last possible moment—they play really well when it's all or nothing.

See also: all, nothing

all or nothing

 

1. Lit. everything or nothing at all. Sally would not accept only part of the money. She wanted all or nothing. I can't bargain over trifles. I will have to have all or nothing.

2. Fig. [the best] time to choose to do something or not to do it. It was all or nothing. Tim had to jump off the truck or risk drowning when the truck went into the water. Jane stood at the door of the airplane and checked her parachute. It was all or nothing now. She had to jump or be looked upon as a coward.

See also: all, nothing

all or nothing

completely or not at all If she can't be the best she won't even compete. It's all or nothing with her. Tom has an all or nothing approach to relationships.

See also: all, nothing