# eat one's gun

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/eat-ones-gun
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To commit suicide, especially by use of a firearm discharged into the victim's mouth.

## Examples

- The character in the movie decides to eat his gun.
- The detective found a note left by the man who chose to eat his gun in the study.
- Faced with the total collapse of his reputation and impending imprisonment, the disgraced official chose to eat his gun rather than endure a public trial.

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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.