Put somebody out of their misery
phrase
To end someone's suffering, often by killing them.
The dog was in so much pain that the vet decided to put him out of his misery.
Often appears as...
- vet put out of misery
- put pet out of misery
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
To end someone's anxiety or uncertainty by telling them something they have been waiting to know.
Tell him the test results now, put him out of his misery.
Often appears as...
- put someone out of their misery by telling the truth
- put me out of my misery
Usage tips
Neutral
Colloquial
phrase
To end someone's suffering, often by killing them.
The dog was in so much pain that the vet decided to put him out of his misery.
Often appears as...
- vet put out of misery
- put pet out of misery
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
To end someone's anxiety or uncertainty by telling them something they have been waiting to know.
Tell him the test results now, put him out of his misery.
Often appears as...
- put someone out of their misery by telling the truth
- put me out of my misery
Usage tips
Neutral
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Final Relief
Refers to ending severe physical pain, typically used when no hope for recovery exists.
After the horse broke its leg, the farmer had to put it out of its misery.
Pro Tip 2/3Sensitive Context
Used in serious or delicate situations, often involves life-and-death decisions.
The disease was incurable, and he begged to be put out of his misery.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Sometimes used in a non-literal way, to describe the ending of emotional suffering.
She was so heartbroken, I almost wished someone could put her out of her misery.
Pro Tip 1/3Final Relief
Refers to ending severe physical pain, typically used when no hope for recovery exists.
After the horse broke its leg, the farmer had to put it out of its misery.
Pro Tip 2/3Sensitive Context
Used in serious or delicate situations, often involves life-and-death decisions.
The disease was incurable, and he begged to be put out of his misery.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Sometimes used in a non-literal way, to describe the ending of emotional suffering.
She was so heartbroken, I almost wished someone could put her out of her misery.
Pro Tip 1/3Final Relief
Refers to ending severe physical pain, typically used when no hope for recovery exists.
After the horse broke its leg, the farmer had to put it out of its misery.
Pro Tip 2/3Sensitive Context
Used in serious or delicate situations, often involves life-and-death decisions.
The disease was incurable, and he begged to be put out of his misery.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Sometimes used in a non-literal way, to describe the ending of emotional suffering.
She was so heartbroken, I almost wished someone could put her out of her misery.
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