Adverb
as though your life was at stake
Source: WordNetThe last good time always comes, and when you see the darkness creeping toward you, you hold on to what was bright and good. You hold on for dear life. Stephen King
The house was not built by its owner. It was erected, decorated, and furnished by innumerable workers - in the timber yard, the brick field, and the workshop, toiling for dear life at a minimum wage. Peter Kropotkin
Those who belong to the establishment need to know that no harm would come to them if they walk away. Otherwise, we end up with a Syria-like reality where those in power hold on for dear life. Reza Pahlavi
I ride horses once in a while, but I'm no expert. I hold on for dear life. Emily Robison
Things Happen and once they start happening you pretty much just to hold on for dear life and see where they drop you when they stop. Meg Rosoff
Pushing forty She's hanging on for dear life. Ivy Compton-Burnett