0
JCDenton Posted 18 years ago
Vocabulary

idiom: or else

Hi guys,
May I have a question about this idiom? I checked my favourite idiom dictionary at www.freedictionary.com page and they're saying there that this idiom could have two meanings:
a) or else -> or
b) or else -> Regardless of any extenuating circumstances.
Hmm..Emotion: indifferent
What I'm dealing with is this situation. Guy is asking his brother for the money. He said: No, I need money to get up there. You know what? Meet me at the place. You know where, by noon, okay? Do it or else... I gotta do something else, you know?
Is the guy saying...

a) Be there no matter what...I gotta do something else, you know?
b) Be there or...I'd have to obtain the money other way, you know? ( I think this option is correct, but I'm not sure...:-((
Please what do you think? Please, If that or else is standing at the end of the sentence, does it mean "Regardless of any extenuating circumstances"....And if it's in the middle of the sentence, does it mean "or" ???...Is that correct? Please how are U distinguishing between these two meanings???

Best Regards
JCD
  

Top answer

Do it or else ... Do it no matter what! [Y]

— Madhulk

  • Do it or else ...
  • Do it no matter what!
  • [Y]
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

7 Answers
0
Do it or else... Do it no matter what! [Y]
0
0
Do it or there may be unpleasant results.
0
0
It's a threat, like Phillip said.
0
0
Thank you guys again. Btw I forgot to remind my question....Please, how are you distinguishing between that two meanings? When "or else" means or and when "or else" means "Regardless of any extenuating circumstances" ? Many thanks in advance for clarification...
Best Regards
0
0
JCDentonThank you guys again. Btw I forgot to remind my question..Please, how are you distinguishing between that two meanings? When "or else" means or and when "or else" means "Regardless of any extenuating circumstances" ? Many thanks in advance for clarification...
Compare these examples:

Present your case now, or else yo
0
0
Thanks Ray! It's clear to me now.
0

Related Questions