The thief knew he would take a ride to Tyburn for his crimes.
take a ride to Tyburn
idiomTo be executed.
Origin
first recorded 14th c.The phrase originated from Tyburn, an ancient village outside London, where from at least 1330 to the 18th century public executions took place. Prisoners would typically be led from the city of London in an open cart to the infamous "Tyburn Tree", a triple gallows, under which a noose would be placed around their neck and the cart, in which they had been transported to the site, would be driven away, causing them to strangle to death.
In those harsh times, even a minor theft could lead a man to take a ride to Tyburn.
The condemned prisoner walked toward the gallows, fully aware that he was destined to take a ride to Tyburn before the sun set.
- 01
be taken ill
To become ill.
- 02
cross to take up
Alternative form of cross to bear.
- 03
forget to take one's medication this morning
To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.
- 04
free ride
An opportunity or benefit which has no cost, especially one enjoyed or undertaken at the expense of others.
- 05
full ride
A scholarship that covers all tuition, and in some cases fees or other educational and living expenses as well.
- 06
get taken in
To be fooled; to fall for.
- 07
give and take
A process of compromise or accommodation.
- 08
give someone an inch and someone will take a mile
Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.
Last updated April 17, 2026