# go for the throat

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/go-for-the-throat
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To exert an unrestrained, aggressive effort, especially by assailing an opponent's or victim's area of greatest vulnerability.

## Examples

- In the final round, he decided to go for the throat.
- The lawyer waited until the witness was confused before she went for the throat with a difficult question.
- Rather than seeking a compromise, the rival company went for the throat by launching an aggressive campaign aimed at their competitor's weakest market.

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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.