A do-or-die situation is a critical moment in which a person or group must make a difficult decision with potentially life-altering consequences. In this context, the crossword solutions of 'CRISIS' and 'CLUTCH' are both appropriate. A CRISIS is a time of intense difficulty or danger, while CLUTCH refers to a crucial moment in which a decisive action must be taken. Both words can be used to describe a do-or-die situation, as they both imply a sense of urgency and importance.