# have someone's blood on one's head

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-someones-blood-on-ones-head
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be responsible for someone's death, pain, or misfortune.

## Examples

- If you ignore the safety rules, you will have his blood on your head.
- The captain knew the ship was unsafe, but he sailed anyway and now has the crew's blood on his head.
- By recklessly disregarding the warnings of his advisors, the king ultimately had the blood of thousands on his head.

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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.