go for the jugular
Target the weakness
Go for the jugular means to attack someone's most vulnerable point, aiming to defeat or destroy them decisively.
The jugular vein in the neck is vital and exposed—severing it is lethal.
The phrase implies ruthless aggression, whether in argument, competition, or conflict: When she saw him falter, she went for the jugular.
- kill shotStrike that terminates target
- attackAggressive act against another
- Achilles' heelCritical personal weakness
- pounceSudden attack leap
- weak linkLeast reliable component
checkmate · predator · blood in the water · aggression · zero in on · coup de grace · exploit · fight · contend · strike · take no prisoners · soft spot · cut to the quick · assault · retaliate · killer instinct · struggle · offensive
- combat idiomsstab in the back, dodge a bullet, in the crosshairs, fire away, take a shot
go for the jugularpull one's punches
Deliberately restrain criticism or force
hold back · show mercy · soften the blow · spare · ease up
go for the jugularmake peace
Resolve conflict between parties
turn the other cheek · bury the hatchet · let bygones be bygones · forgive and forget · build bridges
go for the jugularshow mercy
Treat with leniency
pull punches · let off the hook · spare · cut some slack · have mercy