# go to the mattresses

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/go-to-the-mattresses
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To go to war; to use ruthless tactics; to act without restraint.

## Examples

- They are going to the mattresses to win this argument.
- The rival companies are going to the mattresses, cutting prices until one of them goes out of business.
- Realizing that compromise was no longer an option, the board members went to the mattresses to protect their control of the corporation.

## Origin

From Mario Puzo's gangster novel The Godfather (1969). Those involved in such a conflict might be expected to stay in hideouts where they would sleep on mattresses rather than in beds. (disputed)

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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.