put someone to the sword

put (someone) to the sword

To slay or execute someone, especially in or as a consequence of war. These prisoners will be shown no mercy—we shall put them to the sword before sunrise.
See also: put, sword
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

put someone to the sword

kill someone, especially in war.
See also: put, someone, sword
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • put (someone) to the sword
  • put to the sword
  • be put to the sword
  • at the mercy of somebody/something
  • place (oneself) at (someone's) mercy
  • put (one) to death
  • put somebody to death
  • he who lives by the sword dies by the sword
  • he who lives by the sword, dies by the sword
  • put to death
References in periodicals archive
Everton had been threatening to really put someone to the sword for weeks.
Everton show Manchester United how to play Champions League football as main frustration amplified; Adam Jones says Everton found their shooting boots against Manchester United
PONTYPRIDD captain Dafydd Lockyer warned that his side could soon be about to put someone to the sword when they do finally click.
Improving Ponty ready to roar; PONTYPRIDD ................................26 CROSS KEYS...................................12
So from 35-33 in front, France were left in shock as Wales proved what their coach Graham Henry has always insisted - that one day they would put someone to the sword.
RUGBY UNION: FRANCE v WALES : GINGER TAKES THE BISCUIT!; France 35 Wales 43: Genius Jenkins inspires famous victory