Examples:

• Christmas is often a make-or-break time for smaller retailers.
• When you're young, you often think that big obstacles will either make or break you, but as you get older you realize that it's not that simple.
• Voluntary choice is important but does not plausibly have the make-or-break significance that soft paternalism attaches to it.
• The army will either make or break him. It's a tough assignment, and it will either make or break her.
• If cuts and restrictions to save the industry were being presented now as a make-or-break deal, the industry would accept them.
• This shot is make-or-break for the home team.
• Frazer will probably make or break himself on this nuclear issue.
• One kick can make or break their season.
• They have the ability to make or break a new star.
• This deal is our last chance to ensure the company's survival, so it's pretty much a make-or-break situation for us.