put to the sword

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put to the sword (third-person singular simple present puts to the sword, present participle putting to the sword, simple past and past participle put to the sword)

1. (idiomatic) To execute, especially by using a sword.

   Synonyms: cut down, put down, hack, strike down

2. (idiomatic) To severely defeat.
   • 2011 January 15, Kevin Darling, “West Ham 0 - 3 Arsenal”, in BBC‎:

     Robin van Persie scored twice as ruthless Arsenal put struggling West Ham to the sword in a match tipped to be Avram Grant's last as Hammers boss.

3. (idiomatic) To kill by warfare.

• put to the torch