trance

Question

Los mineros del rio Kern han ceasdao de trabajar y se han encerrado en sus cabañas para defenderse a todo trance.

The miners of Kern River have ceased working and have shut themselves in their cabins in order to defend themselves ... a todo trance.

What does "a todo trance" mean? Is this a form of trancar, to bar'

Answer 1

It is a set phrase in Spanish. It means "with absolute determination", "no matter what the consequences are".

"Trance" means "a difficult time", and in extreme situations, "dying moments" (also a mental condition, like "trance" in English).

It comes from Latin "trans-ire" (over/accross go), related to the idea of going "to the other side".

No "trancar" or "bar" here at all.

Answer 2

thanks!

Answer 3

I would say here: at all cost