to the death

Definitions

1. That will continue until one of the contestants dies.
2. To the utmost degree.
   idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

“The two gladiators fought to the death.”

“Within the independent government of the East Turkestan Republic, while Sabid-da-Mulla insisted upon defending the Old City of Kashgar to the death, Mahum and Nias wanted to quit⟳ the Old City for the time being, withdraw⟳ to Ying-chi-sha, and plan⟳ a second uprising.”

“Then, alluding with a toss of the head to the tumult in the station-yard, ‘When one has got to make⟳ correct⟳ entries, one comes to hate⟳ those savages - hate⟳ them to the death.’ He remained thoughtful for a moment.”

CEFR level