# beat one's swords into ploughshares

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/beat-ones-swords-into-ploughshares
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To refrain from destructive military or paramilitary acts (war, terrorism, etc.) and put energy and resources to peaceful ends that would otherwise go to violence.

## Examples

- The country decided to beat its swords into ploughshares.
- After the long war ended, the government chose to beat its swords into ploughshares by funding schools instead of weapons.
- The nation sought to beat its swords into ploughshares, redirecting its vast military budget toward sustainable agriculture and humanitarian aid projects.

## Origin

From Isaiah 2:4 of the Bible.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.