如果使用 sink or swim 这个短语，你的意思就是在一种特定情况下， 孤注一掷，成败在此一举。

例句

Mary has decided to open a clothes shop in spite of the current economic recession. Let's see if she will sink or swim.

I've been accepted by one of the best universities in Britain. It will be a tough year and I know my family is wondering if I'll sink or swim.

请注意

如果说 to have a sinking feeling 那就是一个人对什么事情有一种不祥的预感。

The main player in the team has just got a red card! I've a sinking feeling that my team is going to lose this match.