PhrasesHub

Lamb to the slaughter

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • unawareness
        Describing someone who goes into a situation without realizing the danger or harm they are about to encounter

    Examples of Lamb to the slaughter

    • She walked confidently into the meeting, unaware that her boss had already decided against her proposal. She was lamb to the slaughter.

      This idiom is used to describe a person who unknowingly puts themselves in a difficult or dangerous situation. In this example, the woman is walking into a situation where her proposal is already rejected, making her similar to a lamb being led to slaughter without understanding the danger.

    • He agreed to the deal without reading the fine print, and now he's lamb to the slaughter.

      This example shows that someone who agrees to a deal without fully understanding its terms is at a disadvantage. Just like a lamb led to slaughter, they might not immediately recognize the danger they're in.

    • The politicians who voted for the bill despite widespread opposition are now being lambasted by their constituents. They're lamb to the slaughter.

      This example illustrates how people who ignore public opinion can leave themselves vulnerable to criticism. They're similar to a lamb being led to slaughter, as they might have missed the warning signs before it's too late.

    • She continued to deny the accusations, even though the evidence was stacked against her. She was lamb to the slaughter.

      This example highlights someone who ignores the facts, putting themselves in a difficult position. They're like a lamb oblivious to the danger, eventually leading themselves to slaughter by refusing to acknowledge the reality of the situation.

    • Maria's anxiety got the best of her during the job interview. She stumbled over her words and seemed like a lamb being led to slaughter.

      The expression "lamb to the slaughter" means someone who is naive, helpless, or unprepared, and is easy to defeat or take advantage of. Maria's nervousness and lack of confidence made her appear like a lamb, who is led to slaughter, which is a cruel and unnecessary act.

    • John walked into the trap set by his enemies. They knew he would believe everything they said, and they took advantage of his trust, just like a hunter leads a lamb to slaughter.

      This example illustrates how a person, like John, who is easily swayed by others, can be compared to a lamb being led to slaughter. The enemies wanted to deceive and manipulate John, just as a hunter leads a lamb to its death.

    • The government's proposal to increase taxes was like leading lambs to the slaughterhouse. The people were unaware of the consequences and were being taken advantage of by the authorities.

      This example shows how a policy or proposal that seems harmless on the surface can have devastating consequences, like leading lambs to the slaughterhouse. The people were unaware of the impact of the proposed tax increase, just as lambs are unaware of their fate when they are led to the slaughterhouse.

    • Sarah's lack of self-confidence made her seem like a lamb being led to the slaughterhouse in the meeting. Her colleagues exploited her weaknesses and took advantage of her insecurities.

      This example highlights how someone's lack of self-confidence can make them seem vulnerable and easily defeated, like a lamb led to slaughter. Sarah's colleagues sensed her weaknesses and took advantage of her, much like a hunter leading a lamb to its death.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "lamb to the slaughter" is used to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit. It is also used to describe someone who goes into a situation without realizing the danger or harm they are about to encounter.

    Origin of "Lamb to the slaughter"

    The origin of the idiom "lamb to the slaughter" can be traced back to the Bible, specifically the story of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In the Christian faith, Jesus is often referred to as the "Lamb of God," and his sacrifice is seen as a metaphorical slaughter. The idiom may have evolved from this religious reference to symbolize innocence or vulnerability in the face of danger.

    Another possible origin of the idiom could be related to the practice of slaughtering lambs for food. Lambs are often seen as innocent and helpless creatures, and the phrase "lamb to the slaughter" may have been used to describe someone who is being led into a situation where they are unaware of the harm that awaits them, much like a lamb being led to its slaughter.

    Overall, the idiom "lamb to the slaughter" has roots in religious and cultural references that symbolize innocence and vulnerability in the face of danger. It is commonly used to caution against engaging in risky or harmful situations.