Refers to the critical boundary between life and death; often used in contexts like martial arts, medical emergencies, or philosophical discussions.
A martial artist who has techniques that can freely give life or take it.
Doctors are sometimes forced to make life-or-death decisions.
power of life or death; absolute control over life and death
A Sino-Japanese compound of 活 “keep alive” and 殺 “kill,” expressing control over whether someone lives or dies.