What does “Fall on your sword” mean?
"Fall on your sword" means to take the blame or accept responsibility for something, often in a public or dramatic way.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The CEO decided to fall on his sword and resign after the company's scandal.
Example
In order to protect his team, the coach decided to fall on his sword and take full responsibility for the team's loss.
Example
The politician chose to fall on her sword and admit her mistake during the press conference
Is “Fall on your sword” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Fall on your sword” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Fall on your sword” effectively in context?
You can use "Fall on your sword" to describe someone taking the blame or accepting responsibility for something, often in a public or dramatic way. It implies a willingness to face the consequences of one's actions and make a sacrifice for the greater good. For example, if a team loses a game due to a coach's decision, the coach might "fall on his sword" and publicly apologize for the loss, even if it wasn't entirely his fault.
- 1Business
After the company's financial scandal, the CEO decided to fall on his sword and resign to protect the company's reputation.
- 2Sports
In order to shield his players from criticism, the coach chose to fall on his sword and take full responsibility for the team's defeat.
- 3Politics
Realizing her mistake, the politician decided to fall on her sword and publicly admit her wrongdoing during the press conference.
Similar phrases to “Fall on your sword”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Fall on your sword” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Fall on your sword" can be traced back to ancient Rome. In Roman times, soldiers would fall on their own swords as an act of honor and sacrifice when they were defeated in battle or faced dishonor. This act was seen as a way to take responsibility for their actions and avoid capture or punishment by the enemy.
Is “Fall on your sword” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Fall on your sword" is not as common as some other idioms, but it is still used in everyday conversation, especially in more formal or dramatic contexts. It is often employed in situations where someone takes the blame or accepts responsibility for a negative outcome.
What tone does “Fall on your sword” have?
"Fall on your sword" conveys a tone of sacrifice and honor. It suggests a willingness to take responsibility for one's actions, even if it means facing negative consequences or public scrutiny.
Can “Fall on your sword” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Fall on your sword" is more commonly used in formal settings, such as business, politics, or literature, where the idea of sacrifice and honor is emphasized. While it can be used in informal conversations, it may sound more dramatic or theatrical in those contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He decided to fall on his sword and accept the blame.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "fall on your sword"!' to imply taking responsibility for a mistake.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- accept responsibility
- take the blame
- own up to one's actions
- acknowledge fault
- admit guilt
Antonyms
- pass the buck
- shift the blame
- deny responsibility
- avoid accountability
- evade culpability
