# take a ride to Tyburn

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-a-ride-to-tyburn
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be executed.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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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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.