A situation or moment that will determine success or failure, with no middle ground. It refers to a critical point where the outcome will either lead to achievement or complete failure.
This phrase emerged in the early 19th century, combining the contrasting verbs 'make' (to succeed or create) and 'break' (to fail or destroy). It reflects the binary nature of crucial moments where outcomes are decisive rather than gradual.
The phrase perfectly captures the high-stakes nature of pivotal moments in life, business, or relationships. Interestingly, it's often used to describe moments that feel make-or-break but may not actually be as final as they seem, revealing our psychological tendency to view challenges in absolute terms.
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