English Reference
Idiom idiom

or else


Implies an unspecified threat if a preceding command is not fulfilled.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

Clean your room, or else.

CONTEXTUAL

The boss said we need to finish by Friday, or else.

COMPLEX

She warned him not to be late again, or else — and the silence that followed made him fear the worst.


Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    if nothing else

    At the very least; as a minimum.

Last updated August 10, 2026