# go to the scaffold

idiom

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

## Meaning

To be executed (usually by hanging or beheading).

## Examples

- The prisoner walked slowly as he went to the scaffold.
- The crowd gathered in silence to watch the condemned man as he went to the scaffold.
- Despite his claims of innocence, the disgraced nobleman maintained his dignity as he went to the scaffold to face his final judgment.

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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.