Put an animal, a bird, etc. out of its misery

usgb
phrase

To kill an animal or bird to end its suffering, especially when it is badly injured or ill.

The vet decided to put the severely injured dog out of its misery.
Visual representation of "put an animal, a bird, etc. out of its misery" - To kill an animal or bird to end its suffering, especially when it is badly injured or ill.

Often appears as...

  • deciding to put out of misery
  • veterinarian put out of misery
phrase

Used metaphorically to indicate ending someone's anxiety, curiosity or uncertainty by telling them something they want to know.

I know you've been worried about the results, so let me put you out of your misery: you passed!
Visual representation of "put an animal, a bird, etc. out of its misery" - Used metaphorically to indicate ending someone's anxiety, curiosity or uncertainty by telling them something they want to know.

Often appears as...

  • an inquiry put out of misery
  • anxiety put out of misery

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

To kill an animal or bird to end its suffering, especially when it is badly injured or ill.

The vet decided to put the severely injured dog out of its misery.
Visual representation of "put an animal, a bird, etc. out of its misery" - To kill an animal or bird to end its suffering, especially when it is badly injured or ill.

Often appears as...

  • deciding to put out of misery
  • veterinarian put out of misery
phrase

Used metaphorically to indicate ending someone's anxiety, curiosity or uncertainty by telling them something they want to know.

I know you've been worried about the results, so let me put you out of your misery: you passed!
Visual representation of "put an animal, a bird, etc. out of its misery" - Used metaphorically to indicate ending someone's anxiety, curiosity or uncertainty by telling them something they want to know.

Often appears as...

  • an inquiry put out of misery
  • anxiety put out of misery

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "put an animal, a bird, etc. out of its misery"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Compassionate Context

Used when an animal's suffering is severe and cannot be healed, implying humane and caring action.

Illustration for Compassionate Context
After the accident, it was kinder to put the horse out of its misery.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Terminal Illness

Often relates to animals with incurable diseases or irreversible injuries.

Illustration for Terminal Illness
The cat was suffering from terminal cancer, so we put her out of her misery.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Last Resort

It's considered an act of last resort, meaning all other options to save or relieve the animal have failed.

Illustration for Last Resort
The vet suggested surgery, but if that failed, we'd have to put our dog out of its misery.
Visual representation of the word "Put an animal, a bird, etc. out of its misery"

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