in for the kill
Ready to strike
To be in for the kill is to be positioned or ready to finish off prey, an opponent, or an opportunity.
The phrase comes from hunting but applies broadly to any situation where someone moves to deliver a decisive blow or clinch victory: The defense attorney sensed weakness and moved in for the kill.
Often paired with "go" or "move."
- pounceSudden attack leap
- stalkPlant's vertical support
- decisiveQuick to conclude
- capitalizeMake a letter large
- predatorOrganism that consumes others
strike · exploit · ambush · finish · prey · chase · stealthy · bite · execute · hunt · finalize · assault · go for the jugular · closing in · zero in · seal the deal · lunge · take the offensive
in for the killbacking off
Ceasing to pursue
sparing · having mercy · relenting · easing up · forgiving
in for the killretreating
Moving back from advance
hesitating · backing down · pulling back · losing nerve · chickening out
in for the killsurrendering
Ceasing to resist
throwing in the towel · giving up · crying uncle · admitting defeat · capitulating