going for the jugular
Seeking decisive victory
Going for the jugular means attacking at the most vulnerable point, aiming to defeat or destroy decisively.
The jugular vein carries blood from the brain—predators kill by biting there.
The phrase describes ruthless aggression in arguments, negotiations, or competition: The prosecutor went for the jugular during cross-examination.
When she sensed weakness, she went straight for the jugular.
- go all outCommit completely, withhold nothing
- go for brokeRisk all resources
- attackAggressive act against another
- Achilles' heelCritical personal weakness
- weaknessDeficiency in force
assault · soft spot · offensive · no holds barred · ferocity · bare knuckles · take no prisoners · play hardball · pull no punches · hit below the belt · targeting · zero in on · strike a nerve · confrontation · full court press · death blow · tactics · pressure point
going for the jugularholding back
Preventing forward movement
soft-pedaling · playing nice · kid gloves · easing up · treading lightly
going for the jugularbeating around the bush
Avoiding direct communication
going for the jugularbuilding bridges
Fostering relationships between parties
making peace · burying the hatchet · killing with kindness · beating around the bush