For dear life Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3High Stakes Use 'for dear life' when the situation feels critical or as if a serious loss is at risk. He fought off the attacker for dear life. Pro Tip 2/3Extreme Urgency This phrase suggests immediate action is needed, the same as an emergency. She grabbed the last parachute and jumped out for dear life. Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal 'For dear life' can be figurative, not just physical danger, but for preserving something valuable. He argued for dear life to save his career.