matter of life and death, a

A very urgent issue, situation, or circumstance. This expression can be used either literally, as in She told the doctor to hurry as it was a matter of life and death, or hyperbolically, as in Don't worry about finishing on time--it's hardly a matter of life and death. First recorded in 1849, it alludes to such urgency that someone's life depends on it. Although a matter of life or death would make more sense, it is rarely put that way.

A Matter of Life and Death may refer to:

• A Matter of Life and Death (film), a 1946 film starring David Niven (released as Stairway to Heaven in the U.S.)
• A Matter of Life and Death (play), 2007 stage adaptation of the film
• A Matter of Life and Death (album), a 2006 album by Iron Maiden
• A Matter of Life and Death (song), is a 2005 song by Rinaldi Sings
• A Matter of Life and Death (Honeymooners episode), fifth episode of The Honeymooners television series
• "Matter of Life and Death", second episode of Space: 1999 television series

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