put to the sword
English
Verb
put to the sword
- (idiomatic) To execute, especially by using a sword.
- (idiomatic) To severely defeat.
- 2011 January 15, Kevin Darling, “West Ham 0 - 3 Arsenal”, in BBC:
- Robin van Persie scored twice as ruthless Arsenal put struggling West Ham to the sword in a match tipped to be Avram Grant's last as Hammers boss.
-
- (idiomatic) To kill by warfare.