Explaining "Never say die"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 28/10/2024, 08:46

English.me team member

What does it mean?

"Never say die" is an idiomatic expression used to encourage perseverance and determination in the face of difficulties. It means to never give up or lose hope.

Tone

Encouraging and optimistic

Origin

The expression "never say die" has been in use since at least the early 1800s. The earliest published example is from "The-Man-of-War’s-Man, Chapter XVI," part of a novel serialization in Blackwood’s Magazine, Volume 18 (1825): "Cheer up then, and never say die, for the devil a morsel of good it will do."

Examples of usage

Even though the project faced multiple setbacks, the team adopted a "never say die" attitude and eventually succeeded.
He may have faced many challenges in life, but his "never say die" spirit kept him going.