English Reference
Idiom idiom

in for the kill


Intending to kill or destroy someone or something.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

The predator is in for the kill.

CONTEXTUAL

The lawyer sensed the witness was lying and moved in for the kill with a series of tough questions.

COMPLEX

Seeing his opponent stumble during the final round, the champion sensed his weakness and moved in for the kill to secure his victory.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    dress to kill

    To dress up so as to impress others (especially of the opposite sex).

  2. 02

    dressed to kill

    Dressed in a very fashionable style.

  3. 03

    kill me

    Alternative form of shoot me.

  4. 04

    kill one's darlings

    To destroy things or characters, particularly in art, of which one is fond, often reluctantly in order to improve one's artistic output.

  5. 05

    kill the fatted calf

    To begin a festive celebration and rejoice for someone's long-awaited return.

  6. 06

    kill the goose that lays the golden eggs

    To seek short-term gain at the sacrifice of long-term profit.

  7. 07

    kill trees

    To use paper.

  8. 08

    kill two birds with one stone

    To solve two problems with one single action.

Last updated August 10, 2026