blow someone's brains out

blow someone's brains out

English

Pronunciation

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Verb

blow someone's brains out (third-person singular simple present blows someone's brains out, present participle blowing someone's brains out, simple past blew someone's brains out, past participle blown someone's brains out)

1. (slang) To shoot in the head.
   • 1724, Charles Johnson, “Of Captain Bartho[lomew] Roberts, and His Crew”, in A General History of the Pyrates, […], 2nd edition, London: Printed for, and sold by T. Warner, […], OCLC 2276353, page 319:

     [F]or Moody, on this Occaſion, took a large Glaſs from him, and threatned to blow his Brains out, (a favourite Phraſe with theſe Pyrates) if he muttered at it.

   • 1763, John Shebbeare, Lydia, or Filial Piety: A Novel, volume 3, page 66:

     In Conſequence of this a profound Silence enſued, the Earl depending on his Skill in the Sword, longing to run the Baronet through the Body; and Sir Timothy, knowing himſelf a good Shot, to blow the Earl’s Brains out.

   • 1783, The Trial of Lieutenant Charles Bourne, Upon the Prosecution of Sir James Wallace, Knt. for an Assault, page 54:

     Sir James Wallace pulls out a piſtol from his pocket and cocks it, and ſays, if you ſpeak to me I will blow your brains out immediately

   • 1881–1882, Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island, London; Paris: Cassell & Company, published 14 November 1883, OCLC 702939134:

     “One more step, Mr. Hands,” said I, “and I’ll blow your brains out!

   • 1988, Tom Clancy, The Cardinal of the Kremlin, page 540:

     He’d probably blow his brains out a week after the fact, but that might be a little late for the rest of us.

   • 1994 Mike Werb, The Mask, Lt. Kellerway (played by Peter Riegert):

     Start dancing and I'll blow your brains out!

Usage notes

Can also be used in the order "blow out someone's brains".