now or never

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B1

Post

Example

“If you want to apply before the deadline, it is now or never.”

Dictionary details

Component words

now never

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

at the drop of a hat Neutral · CEFR B2

immediately and with no hesitation when an opportunity or prompt appears

play for time Neutral · CEFR B2

to delay deliberately in order to prepare or avoid an immediate outcome

when all is said and done Neutral · CEFR B2

ultimately, after everything has been discussed and considered

bright and early Neutral · CEFR A2

at the very start of the morning

early bird Neutral · CEFR A2

someone who prefers beginning the day before most other people

hang on a minute Informal · CEFR A2

used to ask someone to wait, or to express surprise or objection

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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