lay down one's life
Give ultimate sacrifice
To lay down one's life is to die for a cause, person, or principle—to sacrifice oneself deliberately.
The phrase carries heroic or noble connotations: He laid down his life for his country.
It appears frequently in religious and military contexts, emphasizing voluntary sacrifice rather than accidental death.
- selflessnessPrioritizing others over oneself
- courageFortitude facing danger
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
- martyrdomSuffering for conviction
- fallen soldierMilitary member killed serving
fall · bravery · war hero · patriotism · in the line of duty · pain · remembrance · legacy · protection · take a bullet · sacrifice · supreme sacrifice · blood · altruism · duty · redemption · salvation · faith
lay down one's lifeself-preservation
Instinct to survive danger
look out for number one · survival instinct · desert · every man for himself · sell out
lay down one's lifeturn tail
Reverse direction and flee
run away · cower · chicken out · lose one's nerve · play it safe
down, life, lays, laying, downs, downed, downing, ones, alive