never say die
Meaning
Don’t give up; keep going even when things look hopeless.
Origin
Popularized in the 19th century as a motto of perseverance; famously used in Charles Dickens’s 1837 novel *The Pickwick Papers* (“Never say die”). The “die” image stresses refusing defeat.
Notes
Often used as encouragement or a motto. Slightly old-fashioned/rah-rah in tone, but still understood. Best for motivating someone to persist.
Examples
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Even after the third rejection, she kept applying with a never say die attitude.
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The team showed a never say die spirit and scored twice in the final minutes.
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When the project hit a major setback, our manager told us to never say die.
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He may be behind now, but he’s got a never say die determination that surprises everyone.
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The hikers were exhausted, but they refused to say die and pushed on to the summit.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase, usually imperative: “Never say die.” Sometimes used attributively/hyphenated: “a never-say-die attitude/spirit.” Rarely inflected.
Synonyms
- don’t give up
- keep going
- hang in there
- stick with it
- keep the faith
Antonyms
- give up
- throw in the towel
- quit