# now or never

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/now-or-never
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

At this sole opportunity or time, or not at all.

## Examples

- It is now or never if you want to buy those tickets.
- She knew it was now or never to tell him how she felt before he moved away.
- Facing the final moments of the negotiation, he realized it was now or never to secure the contract that would save his company.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.