ENGLISH
REFERENCE

or what

idiom
Meaning

Or something else; allows for the existence of an unexpressed alternative to what was said.


Examples
SIMPLE

Are you coming to the party or what?

CONTEXTUAL

You have been staring at that menu for ten minutes, are you going to order or what?

COMPLEX

He stood at the threshold of the room, waiting for her to decide whether she would finally forgive him or what.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    ain't what it used to was

    Is not what it used to be; (expressing nostalgia).

  2. 02

    come what may

    In spite of anything that might happen; whatever may occur.

  3. 03

    do exactly what it says on the tin

    To do what is described or what one would expect, with no further explanation needed.

  4. 04

    do what

    An intensified version of what? or huh?, expressing surprise or lack of comprehension

  5. 05

    get what one asked for

    Synonym of get what's coming to one.

  6. 06

    give someone what-for

    To admonish or berate; to speak angrily at somebody.

  7. 07

    give what for

    To scold; to punish, especially verbally.

  8. 08

    guess what

    Used to introduce a surprising outcome or one that the hearer is not expected to try to guess.

Last updated April 17, 2026