Is there an idiom about how humanely killing something is better than letting it live in pain?
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The thing in question can be a wounded animal or a dysfunctional relationship. In mild sense, it can be an object or idea that requires a lot of investment for it, and when it turns out that it not working you want to cut it down to avoid further loss.
Is there an idiom, proverb, or common saying that describes this situation?
Related: Is there an idiomatic way to say "go to the path of no way out"?
idiom-request proverbs
edited yesterday
Kevin
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asked 2 days ago
Ooker
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up vote
11
down vote
favorite
The thing in question can be a wounded animal or a dysfunctional relationship. In mild sense, it can be an object or idea that requires a lot of investment for it, and when it turns out that it not working you want to cut it down to avoid further loss.
Is there an idiom, proverb, or common saying that describes this situation?
Related: Is there an idiomatic way to say "go to the path of no way out"?
idiom-request proverbs
edited yesterday
Kevin
3,6061019
asked 2 days ago
Ooker
1,08441839
3
"cut it down to avoid further loss" is already close to a common expression, cut your losses. But that doesn't apply to animals; it's very much something you would say about a business.
– MSalters
yesterday
For the situation in the title I would say "showing mercy".
– Trilarion
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
11
down vote
favorite
up vote
11
down vote
favorite
The thing in question can be a wounded animal or a dysfunctional relationship. In mild sense, it can be an object or idea that requires a lot of investment for it, and when it turns out that it not working you want to cut it down to avoid further loss.
Is there an idiom, proverb, or common saying that describes this situation?
Related: Is there an idiomatic way to say "go to the path of no way out"?
idiom-request proverbs
edited yesterday
Kevin
3,6061019
asked 2 days ago
Ooker
1,08441839
The thing in question can be a wounded animal or a dysfunctional relationship. In mild sense, it can be an object or idea that requires a lot of investment for it, and when it turns out that it not working you want to cut it down to avoid further loss.
Is there an idiom, proverb, or common saying that describes this situation?
Related: Is there an idiomatic way to say "go to the path of no way out"?
idiom-request proverbs
idiom-request proverbs
edited yesterday
Kevin
3,6061019
asked 2 days ago
Ooker
1,08441839
edited yesterday
Kevin
3,6061019
asked 2 days ago
Ooker
1,08441839
edited yesterday
Kevin
3,6061019
edited yesterday
Kevin
3,6061019
edited yesterday
Kevin
3,6061019
3,6061019
asked 2 days ago
Ooker
1,08441839
asked 2 days ago
Ooker
1,08441839
asked 2 days ago
Ooker
1,08441839
1,08441839
3
"cut it down to avoid further loss" is already close to a common expression, cut your losses. But that doesn't apply to animals; it's very much something you would say about a business.
– MSalters
yesterday
For the situation in the title I would say "showing mercy".
– Trilarion
yesterday
add a comment |
3
"cut it down to avoid further loss" is already close to a common expression, cut your losses. But that doesn't apply to animals; it's very much something you would say about a business.
– MSalters
yesterday
For the situation in the title I would say "showing mercy".
– Trilarion
yesterday
3
3
"cut it down to avoid further loss" is already close to a common expression, cut your losses. But that doesn't apply to animals; it's very much something you would say about a business.
– MSalters
yesterday
"cut it down to avoid further loss" is already close to a common expression, cut your losses. But that doesn't apply to animals; it's very much something you would say about a business.
– MSalters
yesterday
For the situation in the title I would say "showing mercy".
– Trilarion
yesterday
For the situation in the title I would say "showing mercy".
– Trilarion
yesterday
add a comment |
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
up vote
51
down vote
accepted
You can put the animal out of its misery. It means to euthanize.
I suppose you could say the same of a failing business enterprise, figuratively, and even of a dysfunctional relationship, when speaking with a sort of grim humor, where you're casting the relationship as a badly injured or terminally ill and suffering creature.
answered 2 days ago
Tᴚoɯɐuo
101k676167
13
Another term could be mercy kill; that one is more often used in reference to a human.
– Werrf
2 days ago
1
Euthanise and euthanize are both acceptable in British English, with ...ise being more common. But these words have a range of nuances: The Nazis used "Euthanasia" as a euphemism for mass murder of people with disabilities.
– James K
2 days ago
5
Yes, you could say It's time to put this relationship out of its misery. Again, only if you're willing to speak of it as if it were a hopelessly injured or terminally ill creature. I'm not advising you for or against, just responding to your question title.
– Tᴚoɯɐuo
2 days ago
12
Very similar version you might want to include: end its suffering.
– Toby Speight
yesterday
2
They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
– amI
yesterday
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
9
down vote
Put to sleep and put down are common euphemisms for euthanizing an animal - "put Fluffy to sleep", or "have Fluffy put to sleep", or "have Fluffy put down."
I've heard both used in other contexts such as bad relationships or failing businesses.
answered yesterday
John Bode
30214
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
Tᴚoɯɐuo gave the best answer for killing an animal mercifully.
In the case of a business or investment, while we might use that as a metaphor, some common phrases are cutting your losses and don't throw good money after bad.
answered yesterday
Barmar
46425
1
OP chose an answer that applies almost explicitly to a living animal/thing. IMO, "Cutting your losses" much better fits the OP's actual example: "it can be an object or idea...and when it turns out that it not working you want to cut it down to avoid further loss." If I had an idea to create XYZ product, but it turns out it wasn't possible, I wouldn't say that I need to put the idea out of its misery (unless I wanted to personify it I suppose)...I'd cut my losses and move on.
– BruceWayne
23 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
A coup de grâce is a death blow to end the suffering of a severely wounded person or animal.(Wiki)
answered yesterday
user84814
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1
would most people understand it?
– Ooker
yesterday
4
@Ooker I think they would not. Original meaning is spot-on, but it has shifted into something more of "finishing blow", not necessarily merciful. Related term would be "misericorde/misericordia" but it's only useful when asking for death for oneself and even less recognizable.
– Agent_L
yesterday
1
As someone who speaks french. No I would not understand
– Cedric Martens
16 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
6
down vote
I'd use take it behind the barn and shoot it for putting an early end to something instead of having it drag on.
A similar saying is take it out back.
answered yesterday
Nathan
1693
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3
Poor Old Yeller...
– barrycarter
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
2
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'It would be better off dead', 'I'd be better off dead!' is a common UK and US idiom, in speech and writing. It sounds very strong unless we are already talking empathically about death. FYI: a good example of 'terse' speech, short and useful but often better said with a few more words.
answered 20 hours ago
OookLout
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"pull the plug"
Literally, this means to pull the plug of life support equipment and let someone die. Or less morbidly, unplug a bathtub and let the water drain out, ending the bath.
Metaphorically, it means to put an end to something:
- We've been more like roommate than lovers for the past 6 months. It's time to pull the plug on this relationship.
- I hate to pull the plug on this party, but it's midnight. I've gotta get some sleep.
There's also "pull the trigger" which has multiple connotations depending on context, but the same basic meaning of ending a period of waiting:
- Pull the trigger to kill/stop something "She's suffered long enough. You've just gotta pull the trigger and get it over with."
- Pull the trigger to initiate/start something (like a starter pistol at a race) "We're ready--just waiting on the boss to pull the trigger so we can start."
- Commit to a decision/action "Dude! It's not that complicated! Just pull the trigger and pick one!"
answered 17 hours ago
miltonaut
825310
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7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
51
down vote
accepted
You can put the animal out of its misery. It means to euthanize.
I suppose you could say the same of a failing business enterprise, figuratively, and even of a dysfunctional relationship, when speaking with a sort of grim humor, where you're casting the relationship as a badly injured or terminally ill and suffering creature.
answered 2 days ago
Tᴚoɯɐuo
101k676167
13
Another term could be mercy kill; that one is more often used in reference to a human.
– Werrf
2 days ago
1
Euthanise and euthanize are both acceptable in British English, with ...ise being more common. But these words have a range of nuances: The Nazis used "Euthanasia" as a euphemism for mass murder of people with disabilities.
– James K
2 days ago
5
Yes, you could say It's time to put this relationship out of its misery. Again, only if you're willing to speak of it as if it were a hopelessly injured or terminally ill creature. I'm not advising you for or against, just responding to your question title.
– Tᴚoɯɐuo
2 days ago
12
Very similar version you might want to include: end its suffering.
– Toby Speight
yesterday
2
They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
– amI
yesterday
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
51
down vote
accepted
You can put the animal out of its misery. It means to euthanize.
I suppose you could say the same of a failing business enterprise, figuratively, and even of a dysfunctional relationship, when speaking with a sort of grim humor, where you're casting the relationship as a badly injured or terminally ill and suffering creature.
answered 2 days ago
Tᴚoɯɐuo
101k676167
13
Another term could be mercy kill; that one is more often used in reference to a human.
– Werrf
2 days ago
1
Euthanise and euthanize are both acceptable in British English, with ...ise being more common. But these words have a range of nuances: The Nazis used "Euthanasia" as a euphemism for mass murder of people with disabilities.
– James K
2 days ago
5
Yes, you could say It's time to put this relationship out of its misery. Again, only if you're willing to speak of it as if it were a hopelessly injured or terminally ill creature. I'm not advising you for or against, just responding to your question title.
– Tᴚoɯɐuo
2 days ago
12
Very similar version you might want to include: end its suffering.
– Toby Speight
yesterday
2
They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
– amI
yesterday
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
51
down vote
accepted
up vote
51
down vote
accepted
You can put the animal out of its misery. It means to euthanize.
I suppose you could say the same of a failing business enterprise, figuratively, and even of a dysfunctional relationship, when speaking with a sort of grim humor, where you're casting the relationship as a badly injured or terminally ill and suffering creature.
answered 2 days ago
Tᴚoɯɐuo
101k676167
You can put the animal out of its misery. It means to euthanize.
I suppose you could say the same of a failing business enterprise, figuratively, and even of a dysfunctional relationship, when speaking with a sort of grim humor, where you're casting the relationship as a badly injured or terminally ill and suffering creature.
answered 2 days ago
Tᴚoɯɐuo
101k676167
edited 2 days ago
answered 2 days ago
Tᴚoɯɐuo
101k676167
answered 2 days ago
Tᴚoɯɐuo
101k676167
answered 2 days ago
Tᴚoɯɐuo
101k676167
101k676167
13
Another term could be mercy kill; that one is more often used in reference to a human.
– Werrf
2 days ago
1
Euthanise and euthanize are both acceptable in British English, with ...ise being more common. But these words have a range of nuances: The Nazis used "Euthanasia" as a euphemism for mass murder of people with disabilities.
– James K
2 days ago
5
Yes, you could say It's time to put this relationship out of its misery. Again, only if you're willing to speak of it as if it were a hopelessly injured or terminally ill creature. I'm not advising you for or against, just responding to your question title.
– Tᴚoɯɐuo
2 days ago
12
Very similar version you might want to include: end its suffering.
– Toby Speight
yesterday
2
They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
– amI
yesterday
|
show 3 more comments
13
Another term could be mercy kill; that one is more often used in reference to a human.
– Werrf
2 days ago
1
Euthanise and euthanize are both acceptable in British English, with ...ise being more common. But these words have a range of nuances: The Nazis used "Euthanasia" as a euphemism for mass murder of people with disabilities.
– James K
2 days ago
5
Yes, you could say It's time to put this relationship out of its misery. Again, only if you're willing to speak of it as if it were a hopelessly injured or terminally ill creature. I'm not advising you for or against, just responding to your question title.
– Tᴚoɯɐuo
2 days ago
12
Very similar version you might want to include: end its suffering.
– Toby Speight
yesterday
2
They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
– amI
yesterday
13
13
Another term could be mercy kill; that one is more often used in reference to a human.
– Werrf
2 days ago
Another term could be mercy kill; that one is more often used in reference to a human.
– Werrf
2 days ago
1
1
Euthanise and euthanize are both acceptable in British English, with ...ise being more common. But these words have a range of nuances: The Nazis used "Euthanasia" as a euphemism for mass murder of people with disabilities.
– James K
2 days ago
Euthanise and euthanize are both acceptable in British English, with ...ise being more common. But these words have a range of nuances: The Nazis used "Euthanasia" as a euphemism for mass murder of people with disabilities.
– James K
2 days ago
5
5
Yes, you could say It's time to put this relationship out of its misery. Again, only if you're willing to speak of it as if it were a hopelessly injured or terminally ill creature. I'm not advising you for or against, just responding to your question title.
– Tᴚoɯɐuo
2 days ago
Yes, you could say It's time to put this relationship out of its misery. Again, only if you're willing to speak of it as if it were a hopelessly injured or terminally ill creature. I'm not advising you for or against, just responding to your question title.
– Tᴚoɯɐuo
2 days ago
12
12
Very similar version you might want to include: end its suffering.
– Toby Speight
yesterday
Very similar version you might want to include: end its suffering.
– Toby Speight
yesterday
2
2
They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
– amI
yesterday
They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
– amI
yesterday
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
9
down vote
Put to sleep and put down are common euphemisms for euthanizing an animal - "put Fluffy to sleep", or "have Fluffy put to sleep", or "have Fluffy put down."
I've heard both used in other contexts such as bad relationships or failing businesses.
answered yesterday
John Bode
30214
add a comment |
up vote
9
down vote
Put to sleep and put down are common euphemisms for euthanizing an animal - "put Fluffy to sleep", or "have Fluffy put to sleep", or "have Fluffy put down."
I've heard both used in other contexts such as bad relationships or failing businesses.
answered yesterday
John Bode
30214
add a comment |
up vote
9
down vote
up vote
9
down vote
Put to sleep and put down are common euphemisms for euthanizing an animal - "put Fluffy to sleep", or "have Fluffy put to sleep", or "have Fluffy put down."
I've heard both used in other contexts such as bad relationships or failing businesses.
answered yesterday
John Bode
30214
Put to sleep and put down are common euphemisms for euthanizing an animal - "put Fluffy to sleep", or "have Fluffy put to sleep", or "have Fluffy put down."
I've heard both used in other contexts such as bad relationships or failing businesses.
answered yesterday
John Bode
30214
answered yesterday
John Bode
30214
answered yesterday
John Bode
30214
answered yesterday
John Bode
30214
30214
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
Tᴚoɯɐuo gave the best answer for killing an animal mercifully.
In the case of a business or investment, while we might use that as a metaphor, some common phrases are cutting your losses and don't throw good money after bad.
answered yesterday
Barmar
46425
1
OP chose an answer that applies almost explicitly to a living animal/thing. IMO, "Cutting your losses" much better fits the OP's actual example: "it can be an object or idea...and when it turns out that it not working you want to cut it down to avoid further loss." If I had an idea to create XYZ product, but it turns out it wasn't possible, I wouldn't say that I need to put the idea out of its misery (unless I wanted to personify it I suppose)...I'd cut my losses and move on.
– BruceWayne
23 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
Tᴚoɯɐuo gave the best answer for killing an animal mercifully.
In the case of a business or investment, while we might use that as a metaphor, some common phrases are cutting your losses and don't throw good money after bad.
answered yesterday
Barmar
46425
1
OP chose an answer that applies almost explicitly to a living animal/thing. IMO, "Cutting your losses" much better fits the OP's actual example: "it can be an object or idea...and when it turns out that it not working you want to cut it down to avoid further loss." If I had an idea to create XYZ product, but it turns out it wasn't possible, I wouldn't say that I need to put the idea out of its misery (unless I wanted to personify it I suppose)...I'd cut my losses and move on.
– BruceWayne
23 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
Tᴚoɯɐuo gave the best answer for killing an animal mercifully.
In the case of a business or investment, while we might use that as a metaphor, some common phrases are cutting your losses and don't throw good money after bad.
answered yesterday
Barmar
46425
Tᴚoɯɐuo gave the best answer for killing an animal mercifully.
In the case of a business or investment, while we might use that as a metaphor, some common phrases are cutting your losses and don't throw good money after bad.
answered yesterday
Barmar
46425
answered yesterday
Barmar
46425
answered yesterday
Barmar
46425
answered yesterday
Barmar
46425
46425
1
OP chose an answer that applies almost explicitly to a living animal/thing. IMO, "Cutting your losses" much better fits the OP's actual example: "it can be an object or idea...and when it turns out that it not working you want to cut it down to avoid further loss." If I had an idea to create XYZ product, but it turns out it wasn't possible, I wouldn't say that I need to put the idea out of its misery (unless I wanted to personify it I suppose)...I'd cut my losses and move on.
– BruceWayne
23 hours ago
add a comment |
1
OP chose an answer that applies almost explicitly to a living animal/thing. IMO, "Cutting your losses" much better fits the OP's actual example: "it can be an object or idea...and when it turns out that it not working you want to cut it down to avoid further loss." If I had an idea to create XYZ product, but it turns out it wasn't possible, I wouldn't say that I need to put the idea out of its misery (unless I wanted to personify it I suppose)...I'd cut my losses and move on.
– BruceWayne
23 hours ago
1
1
OP chose an answer that applies almost explicitly to a living animal/thing. IMO, "Cutting your losses" much better fits the OP's actual example: "it can be an object or idea...and when it turns out that it not working you want to cut it down to avoid further loss." If I had an idea to create XYZ product, but it turns out it wasn't possible, I wouldn't say that I need to put the idea out of its misery (unless I wanted to personify it I suppose)...I'd cut my losses and move on.
– BruceWayne
23 hours ago
OP chose an answer that applies almost explicitly to a living animal/thing. IMO, "Cutting your losses" much better fits the OP's actual example: "it can be an object or idea...and when it turns out that it not working you want to cut it down to avoid further loss." If I had an idea to create XYZ product, but it turns out it wasn't possible, I wouldn't say that I need to put the idea out of its misery (unless I wanted to personify it I suppose)...I'd cut my losses and move on.
– BruceWayne
23 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
A coup de grâce is a death blow to end the suffering of a severely wounded person or animal.(Wiki)
answered yesterday
user84814
791
New contributor
user84814 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
would most people understand it?
– Ooker
yesterday
4
@Ooker I think they would not. Original meaning is spot-on, but it has shifted into something more of "finishing blow", not necessarily merciful. Related term would be "misericorde/misericordia" but it's only useful when asking for death for oneself and even less recognizable.
– Agent_L
yesterday
1
As someone who speaks french. No I would not understand
– Cedric Martens
16 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
A coup de grâce is a death blow to end the suffering of a severely wounded person or animal.(Wiki)
answered yesterday
user84814
791
New contributor
user84814 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
would most people understand it?
– Ooker
yesterday
4
@Ooker I think they would not. Original meaning is spot-on, but it has shifted into something more of "finishing blow", not necessarily merciful. Related term would be "misericorde/misericordia" but it's only useful when asking for death for oneself and even less recognizable.
– Agent_L
yesterday
1
As someone who speaks french. No I would not understand
– Cedric Martens
16 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
A coup de grâce is a death blow to end the suffering of a severely wounded person or animal.(Wiki)
answered yesterday
user84814
791
New contributor
user84814 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
A coup de grâce is a death blow to end the suffering of a severely wounded person or animal.(Wiki)
answered yesterday
user84814
791
New contributor
user84814 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered yesterday
user84814
791
New contributor
user84814 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered yesterday
user84814
791
answered yesterday
user84814
791
791
New contributor
user84814 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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New contributor
user84814 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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user84814 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
would most people understand it?
– Ooker
yesterday
4
@Ooker I think they would not. Original meaning is spot-on, but it has shifted into something more of "finishing blow", not necessarily merciful. Related term would be "misericorde/misericordia" but it's only useful when asking for death for oneself and even less recognizable.
– Agent_L
yesterday
1
As someone who speaks french. No I would not understand
– Cedric Martens
16 hours ago
add a comment |
1
would most people understand it?
– Ooker
yesterday
4
@Ooker I think they would not. Original meaning is spot-on, but it has shifted into something more of "finishing blow", not necessarily merciful. Related term would be "misericorde/misericordia" but it's only useful when asking for death for oneself and even less recognizable.
– Agent_L
yesterday
1
As someone who speaks french. No I would not understand
– Cedric Martens
16 hours ago
1
1
would most people understand it?
– Ooker
yesterday
would most people understand it?
– Ooker
yesterday
4
4
@Ooker I think they would not. Original meaning is spot-on, but it has shifted into something more of "finishing blow", not necessarily merciful. Related term would be "misericorde/misericordia" but it's only useful when asking for death for oneself and even less recognizable.
– Agent_L
yesterday
@Ooker I think they would not. Original meaning is spot-on, but it has shifted into something more of "finishing blow", not necessarily merciful. Related term would be "misericorde/misericordia" but it's only useful when asking for death for oneself and even less recognizable.
– Agent_L
yesterday
1
1
As someone who speaks french. No I would not understand
– Cedric Martens
16 hours ago
As someone who speaks french. No I would not understand
– Cedric Martens
16 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
6
down vote
I'd use take it behind the barn and shoot it for putting an early end to something instead of having it drag on.
A similar saying is take it out back.
answered yesterday
Nathan
1693
New contributor
Nathan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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3
Poor Old Yeller...
– barrycarter
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
6
down vote
I'd use take it behind the barn and shoot it for putting an early end to something instead of having it drag on.
A similar saying is take it out back.
answered yesterday
Nathan
1693
New contributor
Nathan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
Poor Old Yeller...
– barrycarter
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
6
down vote
up vote
6
down vote
I'd use take it behind the barn and shoot it for putting an early end to something instead of having it drag on.
A similar saying is take it out back.
answered yesterday
Nathan
1693
New contributor
Nathan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I'd use take it behind the barn and shoot it for putting an early end to something instead of having it drag on.
A similar saying is take it out back.
answered yesterday
Nathan
1693
New contributor
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edited 10 hours ago
answered yesterday
Nathan
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answered yesterday
Nathan
1693
answered yesterday
Nathan
1693
1693
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3
Poor Old Yeller...
– barrycarter
yesterday
add a comment |
3
Poor Old Yeller...
– barrycarter
yesterday
3
3
Poor Old Yeller...
– barrycarter
yesterday
Poor Old Yeller...
– barrycarter
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
'It would be better off dead', 'I'd be better off dead!' is a common UK and US idiom, in speech and writing. It sounds very strong unless we are already talking empathically about death. FYI: a good example of 'terse' speech, short and useful but often better said with a few more words.
answered 20 hours ago
OookLout
212
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up vote
2
down vote
'It would be better off dead', 'I'd be better off dead!' is a common UK and US idiom, in speech and writing. It sounds very strong unless we are already talking empathically about death. FYI: a good example of 'terse' speech, short and useful but often better said with a few more words.
answered 20 hours ago
OookLout
212
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up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
'It would be better off dead', 'I'd be better off dead!' is a common UK and US idiom, in speech and writing. It sounds very strong unless we are already talking empathically about death. FYI: a good example of 'terse' speech, short and useful but often better said with a few more words.
answered 20 hours ago
OookLout
212
New contributor
OookLout is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
'It would be better off dead', 'I'd be better off dead!' is a common UK and US idiom, in speech and writing. It sounds very strong unless we are already talking empathically about death. FYI: a good example of 'terse' speech, short and useful but often better said with a few more words.
answered 20 hours ago
OookLout
212
New contributor
OookLout is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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answered 20 hours ago
OookLout
212
New contributor
OookLout is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 20 hours ago
OookLout
212
answered 20 hours ago
OookLout
212
212
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New contributor
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add a comment |
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up vote
2
down vote
"pull the plug"
Literally, this means to pull the plug of life support equipment and let someone die. Or less morbidly, unplug a bathtub and let the water drain out, ending the bath.
Metaphorically, it means to put an end to something:
- We've been more like roommate than lovers for the past 6 months. It's time to pull the plug on this relationship.
- I hate to pull the plug on this party, but it's midnight. I've gotta get some sleep.
There's also "pull the trigger" which has multiple connotations depending on context, but the same basic meaning of ending a period of waiting:
- Pull the trigger to kill/stop something "She's suffered long enough. You've just gotta pull the trigger and get it over with."
- Pull the trigger to initiate/start something (like a starter pistol at a race) "We're ready--just waiting on the boss to pull the trigger so we can start."
- Commit to a decision/action "Dude! It's not that complicated! Just pull the trigger and pick one!"
answered 17 hours ago
miltonaut
825310
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
"pull the plug"
Literally, this means to pull the plug of life support equipment and let someone die. Or less morbidly, unplug a bathtub and let the water drain out, ending the bath.
Metaphorically, it means to put an end to something:
- We've been more like roommate than lovers for the past 6 months. It's time to pull the plug on this relationship.
- I hate to pull the plug on this party, but it's midnight. I've gotta get some sleep.
There's also "pull the trigger" which has multiple connotations depending on context, but the same basic meaning of ending a period of waiting:
- Pull the trigger to kill/stop something "She's suffered long enough. You've just gotta pull the trigger and get it over with."
- Pull the trigger to initiate/start something (like a starter pistol at a race) "We're ready--just waiting on the boss to pull the trigger so we can start."
- Commit to a decision/action "Dude! It's not that complicated! Just pull the trigger and pick one!"
answered 17 hours ago
miltonaut
825310
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
"pull the plug"
Literally, this means to pull the plug of life support equipment and let someone die. Or less morbidly, unplug a bathtub and let the water drain out, ending the bath.
Metaphorically, it means to put an end to something:
- We've been more like roommate than lovers for the past 6 months. It's time to pull the plug on this relationship.
- I hate to pull the plug on this party, but it's midnight. I've gotta get some sleep.
There's also "pull the trigger" which has multiple connotations depending on context, but the same basic meaning of ending a period of waiting:
- Pull the trigger to kill/stop something "She's suffered long enough. You've just gotta pull the trigger and get it over with."
- Pull the trigger to initiate/start something (like a starter pistol at a race) "We're ready--just waiting on the boss to pull the trigger so we can start."
- Commit to a decision/action "Dude! It's not that complicated! Just pull the trigger and pick one!"
answered 17 hours ago
miltonaut
825310
"pull the plug"
Literally, this means to pull the plug of life support equipment and let someone die. Or less morbidly, unplug a bathtub and let the water drain out, ending the bath.
Metaphorically, it means to put an end to something:
- We've been more like roommate than lovers for the past 6 months. It's time to pull the plug on this relationship.
- I hate to pull the plug on this party, but it's midnight. I've gotta get some sleep.
There's also "pull the trigger" which has multiple connotations depending on context, but the same basic meaning of ending a period of waiting:
- Pull the trigger to kill/stop something "She's suffered long enough. You've just gotta pull the trigger and get it over with."
- Pull the trigger to initiate/start something (like a starter pistol at a race) "We're ready--just waiting on the boss to pull the trigger so we can start."
- Commit to a decision/action "Dude! It's not that complicated! Just pull the trigger and pick one!"
answered 17 hours ago
miltonaut
825310
answered 17 hours ago
miltonaut
825310
answered 17 hours ago
miltonaut
825310
answered 17 hours ago
miltonaut
825310
825310
add a comment |
add a comment |
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3
"cut it down to avoid further loss" is already close to a common expression, cut your losses. But that doesn't apply to animals; it's very much something you would say about a business.
– MSalters
yesterday
For the situation in the title I would say "showing mercy".
– Trilarion
yesterday