English

Verb

put to the sword

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