execution

Related to execution: Execution by firing squad, Execution by hanging

a stay of execution

An official order to halt a court-ordered execution of a prisoner. The governor ordered a stay of execution after new DNA evidence had been discovered by investigators.
See also: execution, of, stay

execution style

Describing a shooting in which the victim is conscious and shot at close range, often with no means of escape. I'm terrified to go into that neighborhood now that I've heard about the execution style shootings that have happened there.
See also: execution, style
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a stay of execution

a delay in carrying out a court order.
See also: execution, of, stay
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a stay of execution
  • order (one) out (of some place)
  • order out
  • order out of some place
  • order off
  • order (one) off
  • miscarriage of justice
  • dead man walking
  • How much will it be?
  • trial balloon
References in classic literature
But one lived, Timothy, and him his father considered dead because he had taken service with the Iron Heel in the Mercenaries.* A member of the 'Frisco Reds pledged himself to twelve annual executions. The penalty for failure was death.
All went well with Donnelly until, in the following year, he found among the sheaf of executions that fell to him the name of Timothy Donnelly.
Sentences may be denounced against them for violations of their duty; but these sentences can only be carried into execution by the sword.
The same process must be repeated in every member of which the body is constituted; and the execution of the plans, framed by the councils of the whole, will always fluctuate on the discretion of the ill-informed and prejudiced opinion of every part.
Prince, I wish you had seen an execution," said Aglaya.
If you have seen an execution, how can you say you lived happily all the while?"
But to know what can and what cannot be executed is impossible, not only in the case of Napoleon's invasion of Russia in which millions participated, but even in the simplest event, for in either case millions of obstacles may arise to prevent its execution. Every order executed is always one of an immense number unexecuted.
He needed only, as soon as the execution was over, to allow Mynheer Boxtel to ascend the scaffold with his servants, to remove the inanimate remains of his friend.
He said, he saw at present no objection to the pressing scheme, and would consider of putting it in execution. He then most earnestly recommended to her ladyship to do him the honour of immediately mentioning his proposals to the family; to whom he said he offered a carte blanche , and would settle his fortune in almost any manner they should require.
"Remember, the execution is fixed for the day after tomorrow, and that you have but one day to work in."
Neither his blood, which did not cease to flow, nor the blows which redoubled in fury, nor the wrath of the torturer, who grew excited himself and intoxicated with the execution, nor the sound of the horrible thongs, more sharp and whistling than the claws of scorpions.
All the time they were playing the Queen never left off quarrelling with the other players, and shouting `Off with his head!' or `Off with her head!' Those whom she sentenced were taken into custody by the soldiers, who of course had to leave off being arches to do this, so that by the end of half an hour or so there were no arches left, and all the players, except the King, the Queen, and Alice, were in custody and under sentence of execution.
But I discovered no trace of him and was beginning to conjecture that some fortunate chance had intervened to prevent the execution of his menaces when suddenly I heard a shrill and dreadful scream.
If he was then employed in superintending the execution of his client's will -- which is quite possible -- it follows clearly that he was in the secret of Mr.
That the case of Mary Jones may speak the more emphatically for itself, I subjoin it, as related by SIR WILLIAM MEREDITH in a speech in Parliament, 'on Frequent Executions', made in 1777.