The young soldier finally fleshed his maiden sword in the border skirmish.
flesh one's maiden sword
idiomTo experience or succeed in combat or struggle for the first time, as in the military or in politics.
Origin
disputed originLiterally, to shed blood for the first time with a new sword; see flesh (“bury in flesh”), maiden (“virgin”), sword.
During his first debate against the veteran politician, the newcomer fleshed his maiden sword and performed surprisingly well.
The young knight felt a surge of adrenaline as he finally fleshed his maiden sword against the enemy forces during the opening charge of the campaign.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.