he idiom 'sink or swim', means to succeed or fail on your own using your own skills and strengths without outside help. You will often hear the phrase 'It's time to sink or swim' meaning that something will either fail or be successful. This is an expression that can be used in both social and professional contexts.

1. I've done all I can to help James get his life together, so he's on his own now. He'll either sink or swim. I really hope it's the latter.
2. There comes a time when parents have to take a step back and allow their children to sink or swim.

1. On my first day at work, no one offered to give me advice or show me the ropes. I was just left to sink or swim. Luckily, I managed to figure things out on my own or I'd be out of the job!
2. Due to the competitive, and at times ruthless nature of the tech industry, it really is a case of sink or swim for any new company entering it.