price on one's head
English
Etymology
From the earlier punishment of beheading criminals. The usage of this idiom began in the mid-1700s.
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun
price on one's head
- (idiomatic) A compensation for capturing or killing a person, especially someone guilty of a crime.
- The police put a price on his head after he killed four innocent women.
References
The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer