flesh one's maiden sword
To experience or succeed in combat or struggle for the first time, as in the military or in politics.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The young soldier finally fleshed his maiden sword in the border skirmish.”
“He fleshes his maiden sword today during his first professional boxing match.”
“She fleshes her maiden sword by winning her first difficult chess tournament.”
“During his first debate against the veteran politician, the newcomer fleshed his maiden sword and performed surprisingly well.”
“The junior lawyer fleshed her maiden sword when she successfully defended her first client in a high-pressure criminal trial.”
“After months of training, the activist fleshed their maiden sword by leading a protest against the new city laws.”
“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.”
From the practice of burying a new blade in flesh to shed blood for the first time, employing the senses of flesh and maiden to denote the initial use of a virgin weapon.
- 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.
Last updated August 10, 2026