like grim death

like grim death

With a very tight, intense, and determined grip. After the ladder tipped over, I hung onto the edge of the roof like grim death. Even on the sheerest of cliff faces, there are still small animals and bits of vegetation clung like grim death.
See also: death, grim, like
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

like grim death

mainly BRITISH
If you hold onto something like grim death, you hold onto it very tightly. I clung to the chain like grim death.
See also: death, grim, like
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

like (or for) grim death

with intense determination.
1989 Jonathan Gash Jade Woman Here and there a greenish scumble of vegetation hung on for grim death.
See also: death, grim, like
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • hang on to (someone or something) like grim death
  • hang on/hold on like grim death
  • hold on to (someone or something) like grim death
  • hang on like grim death
  • at the top of the ladder
  • in the grip of the grape
  • have a firm grip on (someone or something)
  • grip on (something)
  • a grip on (something)
  • lose (one's) grip on (someone or something)