The expression "for dear life" is commonly used to describe someone desperately holding on to something in order to survive. The word "dear" is spelled with the diphthong /ɪər/, which is pronounced as the sound of the vowel "i" followed by the sound of the vowel "r". The word "life" is spelled with the vowel /aɪ/, which is pronounced as the sound of the diphthong "ai". When pronounced together, the phrase sounds like "for deer laif". This idiom has been in use since the 1800s and is still commonly used today.
"For dear life" is an idiomatic expression that is used to convey an intense and desperate effort to hold, grasp, or maintain something with great strength, urgency, and determination in order to avoid a potentially harmful or dangerous situation. This phrase is often used in situations where an individual is confronted with a threat, danger, or an imminent risk of harm, and they respond by doing everything they can to ensure their survival.
The term "dear life" refers to the high value and significance placed on one's own existence or well-being. When someone is said to be holding on "for dear life," it implies that they are clinging to something, be it a physical object or an idea, as if their life depends on it. This expression reflects the instinctive and inherent drive to preserve oneself in life-threatening circumstances.
In this context, "for dear life" indicates the extreme level of effort exerted to avoid a perilous situation or to survive against all odds. It signifies a state of desperation, where the individual is focused solely on self-preservation and exhibits heightened determination, often manifested through physical strength or mental resilience.
Overall, "for dear life" encapsulates the idea of fighting fiercely and desperately to protect oneself from harm, emphasizing the paramount importance placed on survival and the unwavering commitment to staying alive.