go for the jugular
go for the jugular
To attack in the most aggressive way possible or where the victim is most vulnerable. Despite the imagery, the term is almost never used to refer to physical violence. (The jugular is a vein in the neck that transports blood between the head and the heart, and is a common target for some predators.) If you want to go for the jugular against your opponent, I have some damaging information you might be interested in.
See also: go, jugular
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
go for the jugular
COMMON If someone goes for the jugular, they attack or criticize someone very severely, causing the most damage or biggest defeat possible. In fact, the 29-year-old Italian won just four points in the whole set as his opponent went for the jugular. Both newpapers went for the jugular yesterday in fierce attacks on the senator. Note: You can also say that someone goes for the throat. She decided to forget about charming him and go for the throat. Note: The jugular vein is a large vein in the neck and supplies blood to the neck and face.
See also: go, jugular
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
go for the jugular
be aggressive or unrestrained in making an attack. 1997 Cosmopolitan Once she decides she wants a man, she goes for the jugular and doesn't give a hoot about any other woman (such as his girlfriend).
See also: go, jugular
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
go for the ˈjugular
(informal) attack somebody’s weakest point during a discussion in an aggressive way: Harry decided that there was no point trying to be nice to these people — he would have to go straight for the jugular.The jugular vein is a large vein in the neck that carries blood from the head to the heart.
See also: go, jugular
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- jugular
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- founding father (of something)
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- laugh out of court
- laugh someone or something out of court