# put to the sword

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-to-the-sword
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To execute, especially by using a sword.

## Examples

- The ancient army put the defeated soldiers to the sword.
- In the historical novel, the invading forces put the entire village to the sword after the battle ended.
- The king ordered that all who resisted his rule be put to the sword, ensuring that no dissent remained within his borders.

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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.