or else

Idioms & Phrases

or else

  1. Otherwise, in different circumstances, as in Present your case now, or else you won't have a chance. [c. 1300]

  2. Regardless of any extenuating circumstances, no matter what, as in Be there on time or else! [Second half of 1800s]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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