Throw yourself on somebody’s mercy

usgb
phrase

To ask someone for mercy or forgiveness, usually when you have no other options.

After being caught stealing, he threw himself on the judge's mercy, hoping for a light sentence.
Visual representation of "throw yourself on somebody’s mercy" - To ask someone for mercy or forgiveness, usually when you have no other options.

Often appears as...

  • throw yourself on the court's mercy
  • throw yourself on their mercy

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "throw yourself on somebody’s mercy"
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Desperation

Used when someone has no other options and is in a desperate situation.

Illustration for Desperation
With no allies left, the captured spy threw himself on the enemy's mercy.
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Power Dynamic

Shows a power imbalance where one person is completely at the mercy of another.

Illustration for Power Dynamic
The tenant threw herself on the landlord's mercy when she couldn't pay the rent.
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Not Literal

It's a figurative expression and doesn't involve physical action.

Illustration for Not Literal
Failing the final exam, Joe threw himself on the professor's mercy for extra credit.
Visual representation of the word "Throw yourself on somebody’s mercy"

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