# or else

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/or-else
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- Clean your room, or else.
- The boss said we need to finish by Friday, or else.
- She warned him not to be late again, or else — and the silence that followed made him fear the worst.

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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.