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How to Pronounce "for dear life"

expression

for-DEER-LYFE
faw-DEE-uh-LYFE

Definition

If you do something 'for dear life,' you do it with all your strength or effort, usually because you are scared or in danger.

IPA Transcription

American English

ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈdɪɹ/ /ˈɫaɪf

British English

fˈɔː/ /dˈiə/ /lˈaɪf

Simplified Pronunciation

US

for-DEER-LYFE

UK

faw-DEE-uh-LYFE

Listen in Context

She held on to the rope for dear life.

The child ran for dear life when he saw the dog.

They clung to the raft for dear life.

I was biking down the hill, holding on for dear life.