put someone to the sword
US /pʊt ˈsʌmˌwʌn tu ðə sɔrd/
UK /pʊt ˈsʌmˌwʌn tu ðə sɔrd/
1.
предать мечу, убить мечом
to kill someone, especially with a sword or other sharp weapon
:
•
The invading army threatened to put the entire village to the sword.
Вторгшаяся армия угрожала предать весь посёлок мечу.
•
In ancient times, defeated enemies were often put to the sword.
В древние времена побежденных врагов часто предавали мечу.