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.
like grim death
mainly BRITISHIf you hold onto something like grim death, you hold onto it very tightly. I clung to the chain like grim death.
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.