goes for the jugular
Aims to devastate
Goes for the jugular means to attack at the most vulnerable point, aiming to defeat or destroy completely.
The jugular vein in the neck is where predators strike to kill prey quickly.
The phrase describes someone who abandons restraint to inflict maximum damage: She went for the jugular in cross-examination.
It implies ruthlessness—no warning shots, no mercy.
- attackAggressive act against another
- Achilles' heelCritical personal weakness
- weaknessDeficiency in force
- fatal flawRuinous character defect
- ruthlessnessLack of compassion or mercy
assault · pounce · precision strike · go for broke · strike · breaking point · audacity · relentlessness · sharp elbows · dominance · soft spot · determination · cutthroat · ferocity · outmaneuvering · exposure · pressure point · power play
goes for the jugularholds back
Restrains or delays
soft-pedals · kid gloves · eases up · takes it easy · plays nice
goes for the jugularbeats around the bush
Avoids saying something directly
hedges · pussyfoots · sidesteps · indirect approach · non-confrontational
goes for the jugularspares
Backup items kept available
lets slide · forgives · forgives and forgets · looks the other way