a matter of life and death

noun phrase

: something that is extremely important and often involves decisions that will determine whether someone lives or dies
Being prepared for severe weather can be a matter of life and death.

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Nation: On the high seas between Florida and Cuba, US immigration policy a matter of life and death Five months after being rescued, however, U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno ordered federal law enforcement officials to seize him. Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 29 Mar. 2023

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“A matter of life and death.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20matter%20of%20life%20and%20death. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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