Put somebody to the sword
phrase
To defeat or kill someone.
The invading army put the defenders to the sword.
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
phrase
To thoroughly defeat, especially in sports.
The home team really put their rivals to the sword in last night's game.
Often appears as...
- put the opposition to the sword
- put the rivals to the sword
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To defeat or kill someone.
The invading army put the defenders to the sword.
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
phrase
To thoroughly defeat, especially in sports.
The home team really put their rivals to the sword in last night's game.
Often appears as...
- put the opposition to the sword
- put the rivals to the sword
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Origin
Originally meant literal defeat by killing, often used in historical or fantasy contexts.
In the epic tale, the vanquished knights were put to the sword.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Usage
Now often used metaphorically to describe complete defeat without actual violence.
In the debate, her arguments put his to the sword.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
Even though it sounds violent, it's usually not about physical harm in modern use.
The CEO's decision put competitors’ plans to the sword.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Origin
Originally meant literal defeat by killing, often used in historical or fantasy contexts.
In the epic tale, the vanquished knights were put to the sword.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Usage
Now often used metaphorically to describe complete defeat without actual violence.
In the debate, her arguments put his to the sword.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
Even though it sounds violent, it's usually not about physical harm in modern use.
The CEO's decision put competitors’ plans to the sword.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Origin
Originally meant literal defeat by killing, often used in historical or fantasy contexts.
In the epic tale, the vanquished knights were put to the sword.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Usage
Now often used metaphorically to describe complete defeat without actual violence.
In the debate, her arguments put his to the sword.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
Even though it sounds violent, it's usually not about physical harm in modern use.
The CEO's decision put competitors’ plans to the sword.
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