PhrasesHub

On the warpath

    Definitions

      • angry and ready to argue or fight
        to describe someone who is in a confrontational or aggressive mood

      • determined to achieve a goal
        to describe someone who is focused and determined to accomplish something, often in a forceful or assertive manner

    Examples of On the warpath

    • The CEO was on the warpath after finding out about the missing files in the company's system.

      This idiom is used to describe a person who is extremely angry and determined to take action. The phrase "on the warpath" comes from the way a predator, such as a wolf or a tiger, hunts its prey. When an animal is on the warpath, it is relentless and single-minded in its pursuit of its target. In this context, the CEO is acting like a predator as he hunts down the cause of the missing files and takes decisive action to rectify the situation.

    • The coach put the team on the warpath during halftime, delivering a fiery speech that left the players fired up and ready to win.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a leader or coach inspires their team to become more motivated and focused. Once again, the phrase "on the warpath" evokes an image of a predator attacking its prey, but this time it is being used figuratively to describe the focus and determination of the team as they prepare to take the field and win the game.

    • The marketing department was on the warpath when they discovered that their main competitor had launched a new product.

      In this context, the marketing department is acting like a predator, reacting to the threat posed by their competitor's new product. They are likely to become more aggressive in their own marketing strategies in order to stay ahead of the competition and protect their market share. This idiom is often used to describe situations where one party is responding forcefully to a perceived threat.

    • The journalist was on the warpath as she grilled the politician with tough questions during the interview.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a journalist is asking challenging questions and holding a public figure accountable for their actions. Here, the journalist is the predator, using her skills as a journalist to hunt down the truth and expose any wrongdoing. The politician, in this case, is the prey, being questioned and held accountable for their actions. The idiom is used to illustrate the intensity and focus of the interview, as the journalist seeks to uncover the truth.

    • Sarah stormed into the meeting with a fierce determination. She was clearly on the warpath and her colleagues knew to expect some tough decisions and no-nonsense answers.

      The idiom "on the warpath" is often used to describe someone who is determined and persistent in achieving their goals, even if it means facing opposition or conflict. In this example, Sarah's demeanor suggests that she is not afraid to stand up for her beliefs and make difficult decisions, even if it means ruffling a few feathers along the way.

    • After his team's loss, the coach announced that he was putting the squad on the warpath. He vowed to work them harder than ever before, with long hours of practice and intense drills designed to build their strength and discipline.

      Here, the idiom is being used in relation to sports and coaching, but the meaning is the same. When a coach puts a team on the warpath, they are making it clear that they expect hard work, dedication, and a no-nonsense approach. This can be a motivational tactic, designed to push the players to improve their skills and work more effectively as a team.

    • The CEO was on the warpath after discovering that her company's profits had taken a significant hit. She called an emergency meeting of her senior executives, demanding that they come up with a plan to resolve the issue quickly and decisively.

      In this example, the CEO's response to the financial setback highlights the intense and focused nature of being on the warpath. When someone is on the warpath, they are not content to simply accept a problem or acknowledge its existence. Instead, they take active steps to resolve it, no matter how challenging or complex the situation may be.

    • Tom's wife had had enough of his careless spending and put him on the warpath. She drew up a strict budget, cut back on unnecessary expenses, and refused to lend him any more money until he could prove that he was ready to be responsible with his finances.

      Here, the idiom is being used in a personal and financial context, but it still carries the same basic meaning. When someone puts someone else on the warpath, they are making it clear that they are fed up with a particular behavior or pattern of actions, and are willing to take decisive steps to address it. In Tom's case, his wife's actions were designed to help him improve his financial situation, but they also communicated a clear message that his behavior was no longer acceptable.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "on the warpath" is used to convey someone's anger and readiness for confrontation, as well as their determination to achieve a goal. It can be used to describe someone who is in a confrontational or aggressive mood, as well as someone who is focused and determined to accomplish something in a forceful manner.

    Origin of "On the warpath"

    The origin of the idiom "on the warpath" can be traced back to Native American culture. The phrase originally referred to the warpath, which was a path or trail that Native American warriors would take when going to battle. It symbolized their readiness for conflict and their determination to achieve victory. Over time, the idiom has been adopted into the English language to convey a similar sense of anger and determination. It is often used in a figurative sense to describe someone who is ready to confront a challenge or achieve a goal with forceful determination.

    An example of this idiom can be found in literature from the 19th century, where it was used to describe characters who were determined and aggressive in their pursuit of their goals. Today, it is a commonly used phrase in everyday language to convey a similar sense of anger and determination.