释义 |
life-and-death, a. [life n. 1 c.] Involving life and death; vitally important.
1822Mill Let. 14 Nov. in Works (1963) XII. 14 The life-and-death style in which I speak and write about it [sc. the Utilitarian Society]. 1824Byron Def. Transf. iii. i, No bugle awakes him with life-and-death call. 1834Hood Tylney Hall I. iii. 24 Joe made shift to explain that he was charged with what he called a life and death letter to Sir Mark. 1857Edin. Rev. CVI. 198 The third, the part he assigned to himself in the life-and-death struggle of his country. 1857Chambers's Jrnl. Nov. 338/1 These are really a life and death matter to our neighbours. 1888Mrs. H. Ward R. Elsmere II. iii. xxiii. 226, I go about haunted by the seriousness, the life-and-death interest people throw into music. 1939Dylan Thomas Let. 11 Sept. (1966) 236 If you look at Tropic of Cancer..not as a universal life-&-death book,..you must enjoy..it. 1951S. Spender World within World ii. 97 At once I was aware of nature as a life-and-death force. 1973Times 21 Dec. 4/2 On Christmas Day and Boxing Day..all inland telegram deliveries..will be suspended. Special arrangements will be made to deliver ‘life and death’ messages. |