Sink Or Swim Meaning

(idiomatic) To fail or succeed, no matter what.

Example: 1872, Louisa May Alcott, Shawl-Straps, ch. 1:
  "No matter, we are going, live or die, sink or swim; and I shall expect to meet you, all booted and spurred and fit for the fight, April first," said the unwavering Amanda.
1920, Edgar Wallace, Jack O' Judgment, ch. 35:
  "Now, come, Pinto, we're all in this, sink or swim."