Phrase guide

to save one's life

phrase · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

phrase

Meaning 1

At all. (Used with "can't", "couldn't" etc. to emphasize a lack of skill.)

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • I can't dance to save my life.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: for the life of one, even if one's life depended on it, for toffee

Antonyms: none provided

2

phrase

Meaning 2

Under any circumstances; [I'd] rather die than ... (Used with "will not", "would not" etc. to emphasize refusal.)

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: excessive, informal

Examples

  • She wouldn't eat baked beans to save her life.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Albanian: shpëtoj — Translations
  • Spanish: para salvar su vida — Translations
  • Spanish: para salvarse la vida — Translations