The idiom "sink or swim" means that you have to either succeed or fail on your own without any help or support. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is left to fend for themselves and must either succeed or fail based on their own abilities.
For example, imagine you are starting a new job and your boss tells you that you will be given a project to complete on your own. Your boss might say, "It's sink or swim time. You'll have to figure it out on your own."
This means that you will have to rely on your own skills and knowledge to complete the project successfully. If you succeed, you will "swim" and be successful. But if you fail, you will "sink" and not be able to complete the project.
Overall, the idiom "sink or swim" is used to describe situations where someone is on their own and must succeed or fail based on their own abilities.
• When I was asked to give a speech at the conference, I knew it was sink or swim. I had to be prepared and confident in my abilities to deliver a successful presentation.
• When I started my new job, I was given a lot of responsibilities right away. It was sink or swim, and I had to learn quickly.
• As a professional athlete, every competition is sink or swim. I have to be mentally and physically prepared to perform at my best and achieve my goals.
• After years of procrastination, I finally decided to start my own business. It was sink or swim, and I had to be willing to take risks and work hard to make it successful.
• I have never been to a pool before, so I'm afraid I will have to sink or swim when I jump in.
• I was nervous about taking the exam, but I knew it was sink or swim. I had to do my best and hope for the best.