price on someone's head

English

Etymology

From the earlier punishment of beheading criminals. The usage of this idiom began in the mid-1700s.

Pronunciation
  • Audio (AU)(file)

Noun

price on someone's head

  1. (idiomatic) A compensation for capturing or killing someone, especially a criminal.
    The police put a price on his head after he killed four innocent women.

References
  • The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer
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