take a ride to Tyburn
To be executed.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The thief knew he would take a ride to Tyburn for his crimes.”
“Many pirates take a ride to Tyburn for their violent acts at sea.”
“In those harsh times, even a minor theft could lead a man to take a ride to Tyburn.”
“The crowd gathered at the market to watch the highwayman take a ride to Tyburn after he was caught robbing the royal mail carriage.”
“The condemned prisoner walked toward the gallows, fully aware that he was destined to take a ride to Tyburn before the sun set.”
first recorded 14th c.
The phrase originated from Tyburn, a village situated outside London that served as the primary site for public executions from at least 1330 until the 18th century. The condemned were transported from the city in an open cart, a journey that constituted the final transit of their lives.
Upon arrival at the site, the prisoner was positioned beneath the Tyburn Tree, a permanent triple gallows of significant local repute. The executioner placed a noose around the individual's neck while they remained standing in the cart. The vehicle was then driven away, leaving the occupant to strangle.
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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 August 10, 2026