Desperate (4)
'desperate' is the definition.
(I know that desperate can be written as dire)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for dire that I've seen before include "to speak (13) [FRENCH]" , "Ride in dreadful state" , "Frightful" , "Really dreadful - ride on" , "'Dreadful, awful (4)'" .)
'desperate' is the definition.
('do or die' can describe a desperate situation)
This is all the clue.
'desperate' is the definition.
('do or die' can describe a desperate situation)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for do-or-die that I've seen before include "Involving a final desperate attempt" , "Succeed or perish" , "Showing a determination not to compromise" , "Make a final desperate attempt to achieve" , "'Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to . . . . . . .' (2.2,3)" .)